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Is there a hierarchy to the various modes of perceiving beauty?

Asked by wundayatta (58722points) February 16th, 2010

I believe people are strongly attracted to beauty. Beauty can be perceived using many senses: sight, sound, taste, smell, touch or mind. I am wondering if people think there is a hierarchy to these modes of perceiving beauty. For example, if it feels or sounds or smells beautiful or if it is beautiful to the mind, but is not beautiful to the eye, then people may easily decide it is not beautiful overall.

In my case, I have worked hard to develop “inner beauty” because I do not have outer beauty. Some people who have never seen me have been attracted to my inner beauty. Despite that, I remain fearful. I wonder if they ever saw my outside, would they still think me beautiful? A lot of people say they can see beyond the surface, but can they? Can they?

I know that I have a hard time doing that. I know I could fall in love with someone through their words or art and then, upon seeing them, not be nearly so attracted, shallow as that may be.

Which is why I think outer beauty trumps inner beauty. The surface trumps the depths. What is pleasing to the eye trumps what is pleasing to ear, nose, taste, touch or mind.

What has your experience been like? Do you think there is a hierarchy to modes of perception of beauty? How do you think your inner beauty relates to your outer beauty, and how do you feel about that?

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