Page "Beauty" Paragraph 2

The experience of " beauty " often involves the interpretation of some entity as being in balance and harmony with nature, which may lead to feelings of attraction and emotional well-being.

Because this is a subjective experience, it is often said that " beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

" Socrates also used his ugliness as a philosophical touch point, concluding that philosophy can save us from our outward ugliness.

Famous in his own time for his perceived ugliness, Abraham Lincoln was described by a contemporary: " to say that he is ugly is nothing ; to add that his figure is grotesque, is to convey no adequate impression.

" However, his looks proved to be an asset in his personal and political relationships, as his law partner William Herndon wrote, " He was not a pretty man by any means, nor was he an ugly one ; he was a homely man, careless of his looks, plain-looking and plain-acting.

He had no pomp, display, or dignity, so-called.

He appeared simple in his carriage and bearing.

He was a sad-looking man ; his melancholy dripped from him as he walked.

His apparent gloom impressed his friends, and created sympathy for him — one means of his great success.