Beauty means this to one person, perhaps, and that to…
““Beauty means this to one person, perhaps, and that to another. And yet when any one of us has seen or heard or read that which to him is beautiful, he has known an emotion which is in every case the same in kind, if not in degree; an emotion precious and uplifting. A choirboy's voice, a ship in sail, an opening flower, a town at night, the song of the blackbird, a lovely poem, leaf shadows, a child's grace, the starry skies, a cathedral, apple trees in spring, a thorough-bred horse, sheep-bells on a hill, a rippling stream, a butterfly, the crescent moon -- the thousand sights or sounds or words that evoke in us the thought of beauty -- these are the drops of rain that keep the human spirit from death by drought. They are a stealing and a silent refreshment that we perhaps do not think about but which goes on all the time…It would surprise any of us if we realized how much store we unconsciously set by beauty, and how little savour there would be left in life if it were withdrawn. It is the smile on the earth's face, open to all, and needs but the eyes to see, the mood to understand.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Beauty is a universal emotion that unites diverse experiences, providing spiritual nourishment and preventing existential emptiness.
In simple terms: Beauty unites us and sustains spirit.
Key Takeaway
Seek and cherish beauty daily.
Themes
a
spirituality
human experience
Mood
reflective
uplifting
contemplative
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- art appreciation
- nature walks
- reading poetry
- listening to music
- visiting historic sites
Key Concepts
aesthetic appreciation
emotional resonance
psychology of beauty
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your definition of beauty change over time?
- What simple moments bring you a sense of awe?
A Different Perspective
Beauty's impact varies across cultures and personal histories.