The Role of Beauty in Our Lives

There is a myriad of beautiful things that God has created for us to admire through our senses – to see, feel, touch, smell, and taste. From the breathtaking landscapes to the intricate beauty within us, recognizing and God's creations is an essential part of our existence. Beauty itself is a reflection of the divine, a manifestation of something greater than ourselves. Yet, the beauty that resides within us – our noble minds, hearts, and souls – is perhaps the most significant representation of our true selves. Recognizing this inner beauty is a step towards living rightly in this earthly existence, as envisioned by our divine Creator.

The Desire to Be Beautiful

The desire to be beautiful is a universal human trait, evident in everyone without exception. It is no wonder that people strive to enhance their appearance, often resorting to extreme measures to cover their true selves behind layers of masks – both physical and emotional. The pursuit of external beauty can be a path to self-discovery and personal growth, but it should not come at the cost of authenticity.

We can confidently assert that true beauty is its own virtue. Any discussion about beauty leads us to contemplate the significance of this quality. Beauty transcends physical attributes and delves into the essence of what makes us human. Much like love and light, beauty is a positive element that enriches our lives. A beautiful appearance coupled with a beautiful inner world forms an ideal that many aspire to achieve. This harmony between inner and outer beauty not only attracts love for the world around us but also illuminates our path towards enlightenment. In essence, beauty serves as the first step on the journey towards a more enlightened and harmonious existence.

Beauty and Everyday Choices

Consider a simple scenario where two plates of beet soup (borscht) are placed on a table. One plate is beautifully adorned with herbs and sour cream, while the other is a visually disheveled mixture of obscure ingredients. Without hesitation, you would likely choose the beautifully presented soup due to its pleasant appearance. In most cases, this beautiful presentation does indicate better taste, although other factors like preparation quality can influence the final outcome. Beauty, in this context, often serves as a proxy for quality and taste.

The question arises – does the content determine the form? Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't. Many examples demonstrate cases where the form does not reflect the content. From a personal perspective, I believe everything is interconnected. A beautiful form can complement and enhance the content, leading to harmony when both are present. However, if a person is too focused on outward appearance, they may neglect cultivating their inner beauty, which is just as important.

Embracing Inner and Outer Beauty

Nature has endowed us with beautiful forms, and it is up to us to embrace them fully. True beauty lies in the recognition and culture of beauty within ourselves and within others. There is no such thing as ugliness; only those who fail to see and appreciate beauty hinder its manifestation in the world. To achieve this, we must first cultivate beauty within ourselves and then extend it to others.

In conclusion, the pursuit of beauty – both inner and outer – ignites love and contributes to personal enlightenment. Beauty is the driving force behind achievements and inspiration. It is vital for achieving harmony and for living a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.