Anything in any way beautiful derives its beauty from itself and asks nothing beyond itself. Praise is no part of it, for nothing is made worse or better by praise.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote delves into the nature of beauty and its inherent qualities. It suggests that true beauty does not depend on external validation or praise but rather emanates from within itself. Beauty, in this context, encompasses not only physical aesthetics but also the beauty found in art, nature, and the human spirit.
The quote implies that something beautiful possesses an intrinsic quality that makes it captivating and enchanting. It does not require external affirmation or recognition to enhance its beauty. True beauty stands on its own merits, independent of external opinions or judgments.
Furthermore, the quote suggests that praise does not alter the inherent beauty of something. Whether it receives praise or not, its inherent beauty remains unchanged. The act of praising or appreciating beauty does not add or subtract from its essence.
In essence, the quote invites us to appreciate and recognize the inherent beauty in the world around us. It encourages us to cultivate a deeper understanding of beauty that goes beyond external appearances or societal judgments. By recognizing the intrinsic beauty within people, nature, and art, we can develop a more authentic and profound appreciation for the wonders that exist in the world.
It also serves as a reminder that beauty is subjective and can be found in various forms. Each individual may have their own unique perception and appreciation of what they find beautiful. By acknowledging the inherent beauty within ourselves and others, we can foster a greater sense of acceptance, empathy, and reverence for the diverse expressions of beauty in the world.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Anything in any way beautiful derives its beauty from itself and asks nothing beyond itself. Praise is no part of it, for nothing is made worse or better by praise." was said by Marcus Aurelius (Bio / Quotes). Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 161 until his death in AD 180.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that vividly illustrates the message of the quote comes from the world of art and the work of Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh, despite his significant struggles with mental health and financial difficulties, produced some of the most enduringly beautiful and influential works in the history of Western art. His paintings, such as "Starry Night" and "Sunflowers," possess an intrinsic beauty that derives from their own composition, color, and emotional depth, rather than any external validation.
During his lifetime, Van Gogh received little recognition or praise from the art community. His work was largely ignored or dismissed by critics, and he sold very few paintings. Yet, his artistic vision was not contingent upon external approval. The beauty of his work existed independently of any praise or criticism. Van Gogh’s art was not made more beautiful by the praise he never received, nor was it diminished by the lack of recognition. Instead, the intrinsic beauty of his paintings remained unchanged, reflecting the quote's assertion that true beauty is self-contained and not dependent on external validation.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying the quote in a real-life scenario involves understanding and valuing intrinsic qualities rather than relying on external validation. Consider someone who is passionate about a personal project, such as writing a novel or pursuing a creative hobby. This individual might pour countless hours into their work, driven by a love for the craft rather than seeking approval or accolades.
For instance, imagine a writer working on a novel. They might face numerous rejections from publishers or limited feedback from peers. Despite this, if the writer finds fulfillment and joy in the process of writing and creating, their work's value and beauty are not diminished by the lack of external praise. The novel's worth comes from the writer’s own dedication, creativity, and passion. The intrinsic beauty of their work exists independently of whether or not it receives awards or critical acclaim.
In this way, the quote encourages individuals to focus on the inherent value of their endeavors and personal satisfaction. It suggests that true fulfillment comes from within and is not dependent on external validation or praise. This perspective can lead to a more authentic and self-sustaining sense of accomplishment and happiness.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
