I knew it to be true. We all do, don’t we? At least at some point in our lives. We know that beauty matters, that is should be valued, that it’s worth fighting for.
I was introduced recently to a 6 part series of videos called Why Beauty Matters. It’s worth watching all 6. Philosopher Roger Scruton presents a provocative essay on the importance of beauty in the arts and in our lives, making a case for restoring it to the center of our civilization.
Don’t make the mistake I did of watching it with little kids around because it’s pretty graphic in parts, but it keys in on so much good truth. Architecture, our environment, how we look and dress, the way we decorate our home, the things our eyes purely take delight in – beauty has an impact on all of this.
Favorite quotes from the series:
“I’m a philosopher and writer. My trade is to ask questions.” {I’m thinking of claiming this for my own mantra.}
“The purpose of art is to show the real in light of the ideal and so transfigure it.” {By far my favorite quote. I love this meaning of art! It allows for imperfection and redemption.}
“If something only has a value because it has a use, then what’s the use of beauty?” {Artists wrestle with this a lot. Why waste my time creating something that’s of no use. Who says things are only valuable if they are useful, in the way modern culture has defined useful? I would argue that things of beauty are useful to our hearts!}
“There is this thing called suffering, the destiny of all of us and yet not the end of all of us.” {Beauty redeems suffering!}
“Beauty saves us from meaningless routine and connects us to God.”
“Beauty is the place where the real and ideal exist in harmony.”
“Our lives are organized by everyday concerns, but every now and then beauty dawns on us.”
Is there beauty in your life? Where?
Can you see evidences that we have traded utility for beauty?
How about chaos for beauty?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
ever since i saw the first in the series i have really been chewing on it. beauty does matter, it is important in my life and the lives of others. i was working so hard on one goal i had let beauty in my life slip away. i took the time to do a little sprucing in my life and man did i see results not only in my life but the life of my family. when beauty matters others perk up. it is like giving medicine to a sick person, people respond to beauty. which is why i believe Christ came for us and died for us. there is a crystal lewis song entitled ‘beauty of the cross’ which just really sums up beauty for me. it flows from Him into me and then out of me for all the world to see. so glad this man put beauty into perspective for me at this time in my life, i really needed it!:)
It was really good timing for me as well. I’m so thankful you shared it with me!