Beauty is a Root

Beauty is constituted by the free harmonious play of imagination and understanding.

Immanuel Kant, born in 1724 was a German philosopher. He is regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the 18^th century and his thoughts are still studied around the world. His work is a rock in the foundation of metaphysics and epistemology. He spent his life questioning the nature of reality.

Philosophers have discussed beauty for centuries. Kant said that when we think something is beautiful, we want to share it in some way, or at least get confirmation that we are right in thinking that object or person can be labeled beautiful. Other great thinkers say that beauty is a reflection of our inner consciousness, which is expressing itself in physical form. Beauty is obviously diverse as well as complex in nature, it represents part of our belief structure and how we perceive the world around us. Rumi, the 13^th century poet and philosopher said: We are surrounded by beauty, but we usually have to be walking in a garden to appreciate it.  Whatever the definition used to explain beauty, it's safe to say that beauty changes as my beliefs about it change.

Natural beauty is something within me, but the rigors of daily life cover that beauty with fear and anger, so I separate my self from that innate quality. I then try to construct beauty in some other form using art, music, personal style or body consciousness and then label it beauty based on my perceptions. I spend a lifetime searching for the beautiful aspects of physical life and when I think I know what they are, I built a self that represents that beauty and share it with the world in my own way.

Physical attractiveness and an individualistic personality define beauty in physical form, so I go to extremes to build an image that fits my beliefs about the external nature of beauty and expect my peers to compliment my dedication to that goal. I reach that goal at different times and use extraordinary means to maintain it and keep it as I travel through time. I discover that beauty is a thought that I create and then manifest using my imagination and creativity. Beauty is and will always be a subjective aspect of consciousness, which is expressed objectively. Life is for the experience and if I can define and do define beauty by my thoughts about it, beauty can be whatever I want it to be. That's the beauty of being aware of the beauty of my inner consciousness. It's in a constant state of change and beauty is a tool I use to express those changes. Beauty is a root of consciousness and when I allow it to grow freely I physically experience it in its natural state.

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