Association Quote by John Greenleaf Whittier
“Quite the ugliest face I ever saw was that of a woman whom the world called beautiful. Through its silver veil the evil and ungentle passions looked out, hideous and hateful. On the other hand, there are faces which the multitude, at first glance, pronounce homely, unattractive and such as "Nature fashions by the gross," which I always recognize with a warm heart-thrill. Not for the world would I have one feature changed; they please me as they are; they are hallowed by kind memories, and are beautiful through their associations.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Bards of the West" by John Greenleaf Whittier, 1860
Beauty is subjective; external appearance can hide inner virtues, while conventional beauty may lack depth.
In simple terms: Looks can be deceiving; inner worth matters more.
Key Takeaway
Value inner qualities over superficial looks.
Themes
subjectivity
beauty
inner worth
perception
Mood
contemplative
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- art criticism
- self‑esteem
- social media
- first impressions
Key Concepts
aesthetic relativism
psychology of attraction
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize inner beauty in others?
- What biases affect your perception of attractiveness?
A Different Perspective
Superficial judgments often dominate societal standards, limiting appreciation of deeper qualities.
![“[T]here are, at bottom, basically two ways to order social affairs, Coercively, through the mechanisms of the state - what we can call political society. And voluntarily, through the private interaction of individuals and associations - what we can call civil society. ... In a civil society, you…” quote by Ed Crane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b8b/ed-crane-39299_affair_t-here-are-at-bottom-basically-two-ways_34431.jpg)
