There is no exquisite beauty… without some strangeness in the proportion.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This statement is a profound commentary on the nature of beauty, suggesting that true beauty often comes with an element of the unusual or unexpected.
Challenging Conventional Standards: Throughout history, societies have established certain criteria and standards for what is considered "beautiful." These often adhere to symmetry, proportion, and familiarity. However, this quote challenges that notion, proposing that genuine, unforgettable beauty often deviates from the norm.
Uniqueness and Individuality: The mention of "strangeness in the proportion" can be seen as a celebration of uniqueness and individuality. It's the quirks, imperfections, and idiosyncrasies that make someone or something truly memorable and captivating. This mirrors the idea that it's our flaws and imperfections that make us human and relatable.
Depth Beyond Surface: On a deeper level, the quote might also hint at the complexity of beauty. Beauty isn't just what's immediately visible but often requires a deeper understanding or a different perspective to be appreciated fully. This "strangeness" can represent depth, layers, or stories hidden beneath the surface.
Artistic Perspective: From an artistic point of view, artists often deviate from realistic proportions to convey deeper emotions, meanings, or to draw attention to specific aspects of their work. This "strangeness" or deviation becomes the very essence of their expression, making their work stand out and evoke stronger emotions.
Embracing the Unconventional: This statement can also be seen as an encouragement to embrace the unconventional and to seek beauty beyond the established norms. In a world that often pushes for conformity, recognizing and celebrating the "strangeness" or difference becomes an act of rebellion and authenticity.
In summary, this quote underscores the idea that true beauty lies in the unexpected, the unusual, and the deviations from the norm. It prompts us to look beyond conventional standards, to appreciate the uniqueness in every individual and every piece of art, and to recognize that often, it's the imperfections that make something truly beautiful and memorable.
Who said the quote?
The quote “There is no exquisite beauty… without some strangeness in the proportion.” is often attributed to Edgar Allan Poe (Quotes). Edgar Allan Poe, a renowned poet, is famous for his dark and macabre tales, such as "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Raven," which continue to haunt readers to this day
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.