Aesthetics Quote by Ted Chiang
![“The very notion that beauty is something we need to be protected from is insulting. [...] When you watch Olympic athletes in competition, does your self-esteem plummet? Of course not. On the contrary, you feel wonder and admiration; you're inspired that such exceptional individuals exist. So why…” quote by Ted Chiang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5a1/ted-chiang-11432_aesthetics_the-very-notion-that-beauty-is-something_2516108.jpg)
““The very notion that beauty is something we need to be protected from is insulting. [...] When you watch Olympic athletes in competition, does your self-esteem plummet? Of course not. On the contrary, you feel wonder and admiration; you're inspired that such exceptional individuals exist. So why can't we feel the same way about beauty? Feminism would have us apologize for having that reaction. It wants to replace aesthetics with politics, and to the extent it's succeeded, it's impoverished us. Being in the presence of a world-class beauty can be as thrilling as listening to a world class soprano. Gifted individuals aren't the only ones who benefit from their gifts; we all do. Or, I should say, we all can. Depriving ourselves of that opportunity would be a crime.””
About This Quote
The quote argues that beauty should be celebrated rather than protected, comparing it to admiration for athletic excellence, and criticizes feminist tendencies to politicize aesthetics, which it sees as limiting appreciation of beauty.
In simple terms: Beauty should be admired like talent, not hidden or politicized.
Key Takeaway
Embrace and celebrate beauty openly.
Themes
aesthetics
feminism
culture
appreciation
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
commentary
When to use this quote
- art galleries
- sports events
- fashion shows
- public speaking
- media criticism
Key Concepts
beauty
politics
identity
inspiration
Questions to Reflect On
- How does society balance aesthetic appreciation with deeper values?
- Can beauty be both political and uplifting?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue that focusing on beauty can reinforce superficial values.
![“Probably the high-watermark of [Bob] Dylan's career came after he plugged in his guitar ("Judas!" one fan shouted during a concert) and exploded American poetry, combining Beat aesthetics, psychedelic imagery, collage techniques.” quote by Jay Michaelson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5f3/jay-michaelson-15590_aesthetics_probably-the-high-watermark-of-bob-dylan_54147.jpg)
![“[Alexei Nemov] has the best feel for the aesthetics of the sport. He doesn't just do a skill; he makes it look gorgeous. Some gymnasts think if their arm is bent a little it doesn't matter, but Nemov understands it matters.” quote by Peter Vidmar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0b8/peter-vidmar-63485_aesthetics_alexei-nemov-has-the-best-feel-for-the-a_90686.jpg)
