Beauty/Attraction- physical attractiveness or inner beauty?

What constitutes real beauty in humans? Which aspect is more captivating, physical attractiveness or inner beauty?

 Beauty has been the focus of debate among philosophers, artists, and thinkers across cultures, regions, and times. It is not as simple a concept as people perceive it; rather, beauty is a complex and subjective conception. Beauty is not just related to humans; it has been linked to nature, animals, and materials as well.

The beauty of nature encompasses lush green plants, striking flower colors, melodious sounds of flowing springs, towering rocks, serene wavy dunes, and the vast sky. Likewise, materials can be beautiful depending on their color, shape, and structure.

Interestingly, beauty is not a fixed concept; its meaning varies depending on context and cultural background. For instance, a square-shaped, brown-colored table may appeal to me but not necessarily attract others. Similarly, different aspects of nature hold unique beauty for various people.

Physical beauty

Physical beauty encompasses various characteristics, including facial symmetry, body shape, skin color and texture, hair color, eye shape, and color. These physical attributes define attractiveness or physical beauty.

                           

Cultural factors often dominate biological ones in shaping beauty standards. For instance, in some cultures, a round and full face is considered a symbol of good health, making individuals with strong physiques more attractive than those with slender builds. Skin color is another significant factor, particularly in the South Asian region, where cultural beauty standards persist. In this region, men often prefer fair-skinned women as spouses, while women seek handsome partners with normal height, fair skin, and a strong physique. The social and cultural pressure leads many to use whitening creams to achieve beauty and acceptance. Asian poetry also reflects regional beauty standards, such as the admiration for "badami aanken" (almond-shaped eyes).

In contrast, African cultures have unique beauty perceptions. For example, in some regions, men find women with gaps between their front teeth attractive. A Beninian classmate of mine (during our studies in USA) confirmed this, sharing that women in her culture even file gaps between their teeth to gain acceptance.

                   

Beauty standards vary across cultures, but globalization has led to some universal standards. Today, symmetrical faces, slim bodies, and fair skin are often considered more attractive. This shift has contributed to the growing acceptance of facial surgery and gym memberships. The cosmetic industry has also flourished due to the emphasis on physical beauty.

Research has proven that individuals with attractive physical appearances have slightly higher chance of being hired. Similarly, bosses may overlook mistakes and offer more opportunities to those deemed attractive. However, physical beauty is not a universal standard of attraction.

From a philosophical perspective, physical beauty is a subjective concept that varies from person to person, depending on individual beliefs. Real beauty transcends physical appearance. Hence, to fully comprehend beauty, one must consider the notion of inner beauty.

Inner Beauty

Inner beauty encompasses characteristics like kindness, empathy, honesty, authenticity, and self-awareness. Kindness involves treating yourself and other living beings with compassion.

We can cultivate kindness through small acts, such as:

 Guiding a stranger on a city street

Assisting a senior citizen to cross the road

 Providing food and water for birds on a rooftop

Honesty is a vital moral trait. According to Merriam-Webster, honesty means fairness and straightforwardness in conduct. Standing by your commitments demonstrates honesty. If you're unwilling to work on a project, it's essential to be honest and say no. Conversely, abandoning a project after initially agreeing to participate may label you as unauthentic.

Generosity is another hallmark of beautiful souls. Generous individuals share their resources – food, clothes, and money – with those in need. This selflessness reflects God's provision for all creatures. Sharing and caring are fundamental human characteristics.

The real beauty

Physical appearance has its own allure, but when combined with inner beauty, it becomes irresistible. As the saying goes, "Physical beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates." A handsome individual is like a tall, lush tree, but true beauty blossoms with authenticity. A woman with a graceful neck is stunning; adding empathy and kindness is like adorning her with a diamond necklace.

Paradoxically, even the rose's beauty loses its appeal with thorns. Similarly, physical attraction fades without inner beauty. Upon closer examination, we realize the world's true glory stems from individuals with inner beauty, not just charming physical appearances.

Religious scriptures emphasize inner beauty:

"And beauty is not just in external appearance, but in the goodness of character." (Quran, Surah Al-A'raf, 7:189)

"The most beautiful of you are those with the best character." (Quran, Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4)

 "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment... but from the inner self."                            (Bible, 1 Peter 3:3-4)

 "The Lord looks at the heart, not the outward appearance." (Judaism, 1 Samuel 16:7)

Similar sentiments exist in Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist scriptures.

True beauty lies not just in physical appearance, but in the radiance of inner beauty, cultivated through qualities like empathy, kindness, and authenticity. By embracing inner beauty, we unlock a deeper, more lasting allure that transcends physical attraction.