A Short Anthology: Quotes about Beauty
I decided to write something about this subject because I was incredibly revolted by something that has happened on the television recently. It made me ask myself: What is the true basis of beauty?Is it really just skin deep? Has intellect, wit and refinement lost relevance? Just consider this entire post as my way and form of ranting about what happened.
People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."
--- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
A friend of mine asked me once: "Kung papipiliin ka, isang taong sobrang gwapo pero walang alam, o hindi gwapo pero matalino at masaya kausap?" If I was asked that question when I was thirteen years old wherein my idea of love was still filled with castles in the sky and happy-ever-afters, I would’ve chosen the first one. But now that I’m more mature and have seen more of this unsympathetic world, the latter would not only be the most sagacious but also the most evident choice. Physical attraction is crucial, yes-but only in the beginning, in my opinion. After all, you cannot be with somebody forever just because he or she has an attractive physique, right? It’s not like you’re just going to perpetually stare at each other. “Their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within”. In short, there has to be substance. We’re human beings, not mannequins.
Against Him those women sin who torment their skin with potions, stain their cheeks with rouge and extend the line of their eyes with black coloring. Doubtless they are dissatisfied with God's plastic skill. In their own persons they convict and censure the Artificer of all things.
--- Tertullian
This quote is for those who defile themselves through the use of gratuitous make-up. Whenever I see people in school wearing eye shadows (occasionally even those glittered ones), tomato cheeks (their blush-ons are so thick you can almost see the little pink particles) and whatnot-I see people who’re not comfortable with their own skins. Don’t get me wrong, make-up isn’t bad. However, I strongly believe that Less is More. Natural beauty is priceless. Besides, they’re in school for heaven’s sake! And yet they look as if they’re about to attend prom or go clubbing. Geez.
To end this short entry, I’ll share one of the most, in essence, beautiful quotes I’ve ever stumbled upon about Real Beauty, by Marie Stopes:
You can take no credit for beauty at sixteen. But if you are beautiful at sixty, it will be your soul's own doing.