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Beauty Quote by Irving Stone

“First, we think all truth is beautiful, no matter how hideous its face may seem. We accept all of nature, without any repudiation. We believe there is more beauty in a harsh truth than in a pretty lie, more poetry in earthiness than in all the salons of Paris. We think pain is good because it is…” quote by Irving Stone
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““First, we think all truth is beautiful, no matter how hideous its face may seem. We accept all of nature, without any repudiation. We believe there is more beauty in a harsh truth than in a pretty lie, more poetry in earthiness than in all the salons of Paris. We think pain is good because it is the most profound of all human feelings. We think sex is beautiful even when portrayed by a harlot and a pimp. We put character above ugliness, pain above prettiness and hard, crude reality above all the wealth in France. We accept life in its entirety without making moral judgments. We think the prostitute is as good as the countess, the concierge as good as the general, the peasant as good as the cabinet minister, for they all fit into the pattern of nature and are woven into the design of life!””

Irving Stone

About This Quote

Source Book: The Agony and the Ecstasy, Irving Stone, 1961

It argues that truth, pain, and raw reality hold greater value and beauty than superficial prettiness or moral judgments.

In simple terms: Truth and raw reality are more beautiful than lies and appearances.

Key Takeaway

Embrace reality fully, without moral bias.

Themes

truth beauty reality morality human experience

Mood

thoughtful provocative

Type

philosophical critical reflective

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • philosophical debate
  • personal introspection
  • social equality
  • ethical discussions

Key Concepts

existentialism humanism aesthetic philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to value truth over comfort?
  • How can we balance acceptance of harsh reality with compassion?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook the need for moral frameworks that protect vulnerable individuals.

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