Beauty Quote by Jamaica Kincaid
““...often a thing that is ugly is ugly in itself, and often a thing that is ugly is only a thing that is forgotten, kept from view and kept from memory, and often a thing that is ugly is not only a definition of beauty itself but also renders beauty as something beyond words or beyond any kind of description.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Lucy, by Jamaica Kincaid, 1990
The quote suggests that ugliness can be a result of neglect and forgottenness, and that it can highlight beauty that transcends description.
In simple terms: Ugly things may be forgotten, revealing deeper beauty.
Key Takeaway
Recognize overlooked things as potential sources of profound beauty.
Themes
neglect
memory
beauty
perception
definition
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- personal reflection
- historical preservation
- mental health
- cultural heritage
Key Concepts
existentialism
aesthetics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does society choose to forget and why?
- How can we reframe forgotten objects as beautiful?
A Different Perspective
Ugly may be subjective and context‑dependent, limiting universal conclusions.
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