Beauty Quote by Alain de Botton
![“[Donald] Keene observed [in a book entitled The Pleasures of Japanese Literature, 1988] that the Japanese sense of beauty has long sharply differed from its Western counterpart: it has been dominated by a love of irregularity rather than symmetry, the impermanent rather than the eternal and the…” quote by Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/317/alain-de-botton-221_beauty_donald-keene-observed-in-a-book-entitled_2150315.jpg)
““[Donald] Keene observed [in a book entitled The Pleasures of Japanese Literature, 1988] that the Japanese sense of beauty has long sharply differed from its Western counterpart: it has been dominated by a love of irregularity rather than symmetry, the impermanent rather than the eternal and the simple rather than the ornate. The reason owes nothing to climate or genetics, added Keene, but is the result of the actions of writers, painters and theorists, who had actively shaped the sense of beauty of their nation. Contrary to the Romantic belief that we each settle naturally on a fitting idea of beauty, it seems that our visual and emotional faculties in fact need constant external guidance to help them decide what they should take note of and appreciate. 'Culture' is the word we have assigned to the force that assists us in identifying which of our many sensations we should focus on and apportion value to.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Pleasures of Japanese Literature, 1988
Japanese aesthetic values differ from Western ones, favoring irregularity, impermanence, and simplicity, shaped by cultural creators rather than innate traits.
In simple terms: Japanese beauty values irregularity, impermanence, simplicity; shaped by culture.
Key Takeaway
Recognize cultural influence on aesthetic preferences.
Themes
culture
beauty
aesthetics
perception
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- design
- art criticism
- personal taste
- cross‑cultural communication
Key Concepts
relativism
cultural construction
artistic influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does culture shape our sense of beauty?
- Can we appreciate other aesthetics without bias?
A Different Perspective
Assuming universality ignores cultural diversity.
