Ralph Waldo Emerson Webster's Dictionary defines beauty as "The quality that gives pleasure to the mind or senses and is associated with such properties as harmony of form or color, excellence of artistry, truthfulness, and originality." This brings about the question, who really defines what is and isn't beautiful? One old proverb states, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." There are thousands of interpretations of pure beauty, differing with each person.
I believe if we were to follow society's expectations of beauty, our definition would be based solely on the physical appearance of a being. Weight, height, eye color, hair color, accessories, all superficial standards. Yet to me, beauty is much more broad and has a deeper meaning. Beauty can not truely be defined, for each person views the world from a different angle. Different aspects please different people. For instance, a dish of monkey brains is viewed as a delicassy in foreign countries around the world.
Ralph Waldo Emerson Español: Ralph Waldo Emerson....
English: Image of American philosopher/poet Ralph ...
Ralph Waldo Emerson, ca. 1857To many foreigners, it is a beautiful meal. In the Unites States, most people would be appalled at this thought
. Beauty also differs with age. A child may consider a recent Lego creation to be striking while an adult may view the Statue Of Liberty as stunning. Also many people put a money value on beauty. To the rich and famous, a 100,000 square foot mansion with complete with fountains and waterfalls can be gorgeous. To the poor and homeless in third world countries, a house with a working toilet and shower may be the most beautiful sight they can imagine. Beauty is so vague that only personal preference can determine one's perspective on it.
Then comes the selection of inner beauty. To some beauty can be qualities, talents, attitude, and presentation. One's actions, feelings and thoughts can be viewed...