Safia Ramzan
The concept of “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” is a way of expressing the idea that beauty is subjective and depends on the personal preferences and perceptions of the individual who observes it. It suggests that there is no universal or objective standard of beauty and that different people may find different things beautiful or attractive. This concept can be applied to various aspects of human life, such as art, literature, music, nature, and people.
The origin of this concept can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, where some thinkers argued that beauty is not a quality inherent in things themselves, but rather a reflection of the mind that contemplates them. For example, Plato believed that beauty is an abstract and ideal form that can only be perceived by the intellect, while Aristotle considered beauty to be a matter of proportion and harmony that can be perceived by the senses. Later, in the 3rd century BC, the Greek proverb “theoclymenus, beauty is in the eye of the beholder” was recorded, which is the earliest known expression of this concept.
The concept of “beauty lies in the eye of the beholder” was popularized in the English language by various writers and poets, who used different variations of the phrase to convey their own views on beauty and aesthetics. For instance, in 1588, John Lyly wrote “Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye” in his play Euphues and his England.
In 1741, Benjamin Franklin wrote “Beauty, like supreme dominion, / Is but supported by opinion” in his Poor Richard’s Almanack. In 1742, David Hume wrote “Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them” in his Essays, Moral and Political. In 1878, Margaret Wolfe Hungerford coined the phrase “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” in its modern form in her novel Molly Bawn.
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The concept of “beauty lies in the eye of the beholder” has several implications and applications in the contemporary world. On the one hand, it can be seen as a positive and liberating idea that celebrates the diversity and uniqueness of human tastes and opinions and that encourages people to appreciate and respect the beauty of others and themselves, regardless of the norms and standards imposed by society and culture. On the other hand, it can also be seen as a relative and subjective idea that challenges the possibility and validity of any objective and universal criteria of beauty, and that may lead to confusion and disagreement among people who have different perspectives and preferences. Therefore, the concept of “beauty lies in the eye of the beholder” requires a balanced and nuanced understanding that recognizes the complexity and variability of human experiences and expressions of beauty.
Lastly, the term may denote that all are beautiful. Apart from the individuality of personal standardization of beauty, the created is made beautiful. Thus, none should call or declare others as ugly or less beautiful. Hence, the concept is comprehensive and declares humans beautiful and equal.
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