Ideas

Ideas of beauty

People have argued about beauty for more than two thousand years. Six ideas worth carrying around.

Ancient Greece

Kalokagathia

The Greeks joined the words for beautiful and good into one idea. A fine form was expected to carry a fine character, and a good life was expected to look the part.

Live itDress, host and speak as though your manners were part of your appearance.

Questions to carry

Ask these in any room, gallery or shop.

Whose eyes?

Which of your tastes are really yours, and which came from your surroundings?

What is missing?

What could be removed from this room, outfit or page to improve it?

How will it age?

Will this be lovelier or sadder in thirty years?

Who made it?

Whose skill and time are held in this object?