the essence of true beauty

“Then what makes a beautiful human being? Isn’t it the presence of human excellence? Young friend, if you wish to be beautiful, then work diligently at human excellence. And what is that? Observe those whom you praise without prejudice. The just or the unjust? The just. The even-tempered or the undisciplined? The even-tempered. The self-controlled or the uncontrolled? The self-controlled. In making yourself that kind of person, you will become beautiful—but to the extent you ignore these qualities, you’ll be ugly, even if you use every trick in the book to appear beautiful.”
— Epictetus, Discourses, 3.1.6b–9

From time immemorial, humanity has been captivated by the concept of beauty. It has been the subject of countless poems, songs, and artistic works. People have longed for it, pursued it, and at times, sacrificed everything in its name. But what is beauty, truly? Is it merely skin deep, or does it run far deeper into the essence of our being?

At first glance, beauty seems to be a matter of physical appearance. The covers of magazines showcase flawlessly attractive individuals, and society often places a premium on aesthetic appeal. In our daily interactions, physical attractiveness is often the first thing we notice about others. It can open doors, influence perceptions, and even impact success in certain professions.

However, this superficial understanding of beauty is both limited and potentially harmful. Our contemporary standards of attractiveness are largely arbitrary and often focused on genetic traits beyond our control – facial symmetry, complexion, height, or eye color. This narrow definition has led many to pursue artificial means of enhancing their appearance through cosmetic procedures, desperately trying to conform to societal ideals.

But true beauty transcends these shallow metrics. It is not confined to the physical realm but emanates from within. The Stoic philosophers understood this, encouraging us to look beyond appearances and recognize the beauty of the soul, the spirit, and the divine essence that permeates all things.

Consider how our perception of someone's beauty can change as we get to know them. A person with conventionally attractive features may become repulsive if their character is marred by conceit, envy, or cruelty. Conversely, someone with physical imperfections can become extraordinarily beautiful in our eyes when we experience their kindness, wisdom, and compassion.

True beauty, then, is a reflection of one's inner qualities. It manifests in the way we treat others, in our pursuit of justice and fairness, in our ability to control our impulses, and in our commitment to personal growth and duty. These traits are not determined by genetics or societal standards but are cultivated through conscious choice and effort.

This deeper understanding of beauty aligns with philosophical and spiritual perspectives that recognize an absolute standard of beauty beyond material relativity. In this view, true beauty is closely associated with goodness, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.

As we navigate a world often obsessed with superficial appearances, it's crucial to remember that lasting beauty comes from within. While taking care of our physical appearance is not inherently wrong, we should prioritize developing our character, cultivating compassion, and striving for personal growth. By doing so, we not only become truly beautiful ourselves but also learn to recognize and appreciate the profound beauty in others and the world around us.

In essence, true beauty is not about winning a genetic lottery or conforming to fleeting societal standards. It is about embodying timeless qualities that enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. It is in this inner radiance that we find beauty that truly endures, transcending the limitations of the physical world and touching the very core of our humanity.