I’ll be the first to admit that I used to think beauty was all about what you could see in the mirror. I began asking myself, what is beautiful? Is it what we see, or is it something deeper, something we feel? Was it glowing skin, shiny hair, and that “perfect” smile were all I thought beauty consisted of.
But as I grew older and started meeting people from all walks of life, I realized that the concept of beauty is much more expansive. Beauty isn’t limited to physical appearance. In fact, it can be found in nature, art, actions, and even in the way people engage with the world.
What is Beautiful? The Definition and Evolution
Beauty is a term that seems to change depending on who you ask. At its core, beauty is something that provides deep satisfaction to the senses or mind. We often think of beauty as being physical perhaps a gorgeous sunset, a beautiful painting, or a perfectly executed musical performance. Yet, as history has shown, beauty isn’t just confined to the realm of appearance.
Beauty can be something that pleases the eye, such as a breathtaking landscape, or something that stirs the mind, like an excellent literary work or music that resonates deeply. And when we consider the word in broader contexts, like utility and excellence, it’s clear that beauty can be found in nearly anything whether it’s a perfectly crafted tool, a well-executed sports shot, or even a beautiful mind.
So, what is beautiful? Beauty is a quality that delights our senses or minds in ways that bring joy or satisfaction.
Aesthetic Pleasure: The Classic Definition of Beauty
When we think about beauty, the first thing that often comes to mind is its aesthetic pleasure. A beautiful sunset, a well-composed painting, or even the delightful sound of a favorite song—these are all examples of beauty defined through sight and sound. Aesthetic beauty is about the qualities that we perceive with our senses. Things that feel good to look at, listen to, or even touch.
We live in a world that thrives on beauty in the visual and sensory world. Art, music, and nature all contribute to this vast category of beauty. The term “aesthetic” refers to something designed to be appreciated for its artistic qualities, its harmony, and the emotional response it evokes. Whether you’re gazing at a flower in full bloom, hearing melodic tunes, or witnessing a masterpiece, you experience beauty through an emotional connection to the senses.
Excellence and Utility: Beauty Beyond the Surface
While aesthetics are an important part of beauty, however, there are other dimensions to consider. Beauty can also come from excellence. The kind that arises from skill and perfection. For example, a beautiful performance on the piano, a flawlessly executed shot in sports, or even beautiful English in literature. These things are beautiful not only because of what we see, but also because of the extraordinary effort and skill that went into their creation.
In a way, beauty can even be found in function. Philosophers like Socrates and Plato have argued that “the beautiful is the useful”—meaning that an object’s beauty often comes from how perfectly it serves its purpose. Think about your favorite tool, whether it’s a perfectly crafted kitchen knife or a sleek, efficient phone. It’s the beauty of its design and its functionality that makes it both useful and beautiful.
Inner Beauty: The Heart of What is Beautiful
Now that we’ve explored how beauty can be seen in the external world, let’s turn our focus inward. What is beautiful on the inside? This is a concept we often hear, but what does it really mean?
Inner beauty refers to the qualities we possess that make us beautiful to others—kindness, honesty, compassion, and empathy. It’s the invisible qualities that make a person truly captivating, and they don’t fade with age or change with trends. People who radiate positivity, grace, and love are often considered some of the most beautiful individuals—because their spirit shines brighter than any outward appearance.
So, beauty isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel. It’s about how you make others feel around you, how you interact with the world, and how you reclaim your own self-worth.
Philosophical Perspectives: How Thinkers Have Defined Beauty
Over the centuries, philosophers have offered a variety of ways to understand beauty. From ancient Greece to modern times, the idea of beauty has been linked to many deeper concepts.
- Classical Greek Beauty: Think of Aristotle and his notion of balance and symmetry. He believed that beauty was tied to order, symmetry, and harmony. The classical Greeks saw beauty in perfect proportions and considered something beautiful based on how well it fit these principles.
- Subjective Beauty: Fast forward to more modern thoughts, and the saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” has become a cornerstone of how we define beauty. This view states that beauty is a deeply personal experience. After all, what one person finds beautiful, another might not.
- Transcendental Beauty: For thinkers like Thomas Aquinas, beauty is something transcendent. He argued that beauty is tied to deeper human experiences like truth and goodness. To him, beauty was a fundamental part of the human experience, alongside the essential concepts of virtue.
How to Embrace Beauty in Your Life
Now that we’ve discussed what beauty is and how it can be understood from different angles, you might, however, be wondering: How can I bring more beauty into my life?
- Embrace the Ordinary: Take a moment to appreciate the beauty in everyday life. A warm cup of coffee, a crisp autumn day, or a friendly conversation can all be beautiful experiences when you take the time to appreciate them.
- Cultivate Kindness: Inner beauty starts with being kind to yourself and others. Practice self-care, be compassionate, and find joy in the little things that make you unique.
- Appreciate the Craft: Whether you’re listening to music, creating art, or simply organizing your home, beauty often lies in the attention to detail and the effort you put into something. Take pride in your work and let your creativity shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between inner beauty and outer beauty?
Inner beauty refers to the qualities and character traits that make a person kind, compassionate, and empathetic. Outer beauty is typically related to physical appearance, like facial features or body shape. However, inner beauty often shines through. It can make a person more attractive than any physical trait.
2. Can beauty be found in something functional?
Yes! Philosophers like Plato and Socrates argued that beauty often comes from how something works. A well-designed tool or a perfectly executed action is beautiful because it efficiently serves its purpose. This shows that beauty extends beyond mere appearance.
3. Why do beauty standards change over time?
Beauty standards evolve as societies change. Cultural influences, historical events, and technological advancements all impact how we define beauty. What was considered beautiful 100 years ago may not be the same today, as beauty is subjective and tied to the values of a particular time.
4. Can anyone be beautiful?
Absolutely! Beauty is not limited to physical appearance. It also encompasses the way you treat others, your personality, and how you embrace who you are. Basically, when you feel confident in your own skin and show kindness to others. You become the most beautiful version of yourself.
Beauty Is What You Make of It
So, what is beautiful? It’s not just the images we see in magazines or on social media. Beauty is about what you feel, what you create, and how you impact those around you. It’s about embracing both your inner and outer self and celebrating the things that make you unique
Remember, beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. What’s beautiful to you might not be beautiful to someone else, and that’s perfectly fine! Own your beauty, and let it shine through in everything you do. Also, the most beautiful thing you can be is yourself.
