The definition of beauty has changed throughout history. In the Renaissance, plumpness was considered beautiful, while in the 90s, “heroin chic” waifs were thought to be beautiful. Today’s definition of beauty reflects a more rational understanding of the subject, trying to boil down the essence of beauty into formulas and models. While there are numerous definitions of beauty, we can use these as a guide for deciding whether a person is beautiful.

Beauty is an experience, which is experienced in the brain, not solely in the object. It can be derived from the object’s properties and the pleasures that it gives the observer. This experience does not just involve the experience of beauty, but also the creation of it. Regardless of the source, beauty is essential for the survival of society. This is particularly true in these troubled times. But there is a way to make beauty practical for everyday life.

Ancient treatments of beauty pay homage to the pleasures of beauty and describe the experience of beauty in ecstatic terms. In Greek mythology, beauty is connected to love, as Aphrodite, the goddess of love, won the Judgment of Paris. She promised to make Paris the most beautiful woman in the world. Likewise, the Romans linked beauty to love. Aphrodite was the goddess of love, and when she met Paris, she promised him the most beautiful woman in the world.

Post-war optimism led to the creation of celebrities such as Doris Day and Debbie Reynolds. The 1960s counterculture, however, turned the spotlight on feminism and feminine decoration. It favored an androgynous look. The disenchanted youth of the late 1930s sported a punk look that is now part of a minority standard. Today, the concept of beauty revolves around good health. It is not just a matter of appearance, though.

Plato and Aristotle have different ideas about what beauty is. Plato and Aristotle argue that beauty is the result of proportions and mathematical ratios. The Polykleitos sculpture ‘The Canon’ is a prime example of this classical conception of beauty. Sculpture can reproduce beauty with accuracy. The concept of beauty evolved for survival, according to Denis Dutton’s TED talk. The defining qualities of beauty can be replicated through scientific means.

The concept of beauty was further refined by the 15th century Italian Renaissance. Artists such as Leonardo and Albrecht Durer created a series of paintings that emphasized the features of the face. For example, their Madonnas had dimpled cheeks and a double chin. Red hair was off-limits and a double chin was the norm. Their Virgin paintings were a more mysterious representation of the female form, which conveyed a maternal tenderness.

Alan Moore suggests that beauty flows from purpose. Patagonia, for example, is a company with a strong sense of purpose. They attract creative talent and foster effective decision-making and leadership. This, in turn, creates a positive culture that fosters a sense of well-being among employees. This culture has a positive impact on employee productivity. So, the next time you’re in a dilemma about what’s beautiful, try a different approach.