Why Loving Beauty Doesn’t Make You Dumb

Why Loving Beauty Doesn't Make You Dumb

Beauty empowers intelligence - a controversial motto I live by. How often have I been shamed for wearing high heels to class, or too much make-up when studying. Being told “you are superficial”, “you are wasting your time on unimportant girly sh*t”, and “I thought you were smart, but you do not look like it” by both men and women, has unfortunately not been uncommon for me.

Why Loving Beauty Doesn't Make You Dumb

Why Loving Beauty Doesn't Make You Dumb

"If appearance is that unimportant, why take the time to form such a strong view about something that is only a waste of time?"

These statements always left me feeling strangely confused. I would feel utmost surprised that people could have such opinionated judgements about my looks, even though they specifically emphasized the unimportance of my appearance to begin with. If appearance is that unimportant, why take the time to form such a strong view about something that is only a waste of time?

My personal view on this topic is that beauty is something we all find important, even if we don’t like to admit it. Beauty has always been shamed by our patriarchal society, since it is considered too “feminine”, and anything female related is weak, and thus lacking any value. However, questions about aesthetica have been discussed for centuries by various philosophers, such as Aristotle1 (believing that the idea of beauty is based on the propertion theory, which means that beauty in any given object comes from the proportion of the parts of that object - summetria, meaning not bilateral symmetry, but good, or well-fitted proportionality), the Stoics2 (defining beauty as a combination between functional and proportion theories, which means that something is considered beautiful if that particular object perfoms its functions well, and achieves its end or fits its purpose - which would therefore mean that something is beautiful if it is successful!!!), and Kant3 (calling aesthetics "judgment of taste", and arguing that it is more similar to moral judgment than we think). Aesthetics and beauty are thus topics that have been extensively discussed in the academic world - again, is that something we would do with topics of unimportance?

I’ve always been fascinated by the similarities between academia and aesthetica. For example, the power of words and the power of beauty are very similar. Just like words can be described as linguistic symbols used for communication, so does aesthetica symbolize a certain message you want to convey to others, or even to yourself. Whenever I feel insecure or anxious, I put on my favorite lipstick, do my hair, and wear a matching two-piece - I instantly feel empowered, and ready to take on the world. Beauty is a form of expression - of our self to ourselves, and to our peers. It is a form of communicating with others using no words. Therefore, to me, loving that “girly sh*t” does not make me dumb; instead, it will make me go those extra miles, that you are lacking. In heels.

 

Why Loving Beauty Doesn't Make You Dumb

What I'm wearing

Blazer - Zara | Skirt - H&M | Bodysuit - Topshop | Bag - Gucci Dionysus (read my review here) |
Sunglasses - Gentle Monster (read my review here) | Shoes - Steve Madden

CAN YOU RELATE TO THIS?

xo Lilia

Footnotes

  1. See Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Ancient Aesthetics, source: https://www.iep.utm.edu/anc-aest/#SSH2aii
  2. See Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Ancient Aesthetics, source: https://www.iep.utm.edu/anc-aest/#SSH2aii
  3. See Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Aesthetic Judgment, source: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aesthetic-judgment/
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11 Comments

  1. Ashanti
    September 20, 2018 / 15:36

    This is a perfect and sophisticated example of how to combat negativity. Not only did i find this extrememly interesting to read but i also believe it to be completely true. And just to add it would be interesting to know why people project their own insecurities on to people who are trying to do well for themselves. Those ‘heels’ made them feel uncomfortable (jealous) and so because they were not able to target your outer appearance, they chose to go underneath and insult your intelligence. This is a very clever post! I love it! You used your intelligence to challenge the negativity about beauty and i love it. A very well done to you love from a long time follower of your social media and youtube 🙂

  2. Nancy
    September 20, 2018 / 22:34

    I absolutly loved this post Lilia, and i can very much relate to the situation scince ive been targeted as vain even by my best friends to the point where it did made me doubt if i was in fact caring too much and protraying a superficial image. I of course ignore those comments now but they do still make me question their lacking point of view as to with what and when should be the time to be beautiful. Your Post just gave me more power of mind and confidence to understand the importance of beauty both inside and out. Great job.

  3. September 21, 2018 / 16:23

    Je ziet er weer prachtig uit girl love it

  4. September 25, 2018 / 11:15

    I believe that if you are willing to put time and effort into appearance then you are willing to put that time and effort into anything you do! I believe people can feel intimidated by those who put in a little extra effort whether that be with their appearance or with their work! People need to understand that beauty and fashion is also a passion and a hobby, not just a narcissistic effort!
    Chloe X http://chloelxuise.com
    Chloe recently posted…How To Clear Debt During University

  5. April Oakley
    September 26, 2018 / 01:28

    This is so true! I am currently in my second year of studying health science and I am often looked down on, or as if I am dumb if I go to class looking put together and with my hair and makeup done. I often get the feeling that in academia you are only intelligent if you act masculine. That is to say, you don’t care about how you present yourself. Too often I am scolded for “having the time” to go shopping, choose an outfit and apply my makeup. My friends make fun of me for wearing my favourite outfit and lipstick for my final exams. What they don’t know is that beauty and fashion is what I do for fun, and presenting myself well is a part of my self-care. If I start my day feeling like a boss bitch, then that is how my day goes. I’m so glad there’s another absolute girl boss out here!

  6. Rensché
    September 26, 2018 / 04:50

    As you always say our life’s aren’t perfect but how we allow others to control our emotions gives them the power they think they deserve which in actual sense they don’t. Thank you for being you and showing the world that is great to be your own individual accomplishing things people limits us to. Self love equals self care.

  7. October 7, 2018 / 12:13

    I love this post! Beauty does empower intelligence, and I’ve gotten a few comments like that too. People would presume that I’m not smart, or not athletic, or that I’m ditsy and dumb because of how I wear clothes, do my makeup and accessorize. I’ve learnt not to care anymore about what people think. It’s kind of like the movie Legally Blonde, Elle went through some struggles!

    Caroline | http://caroomakeupblog.com

  8. October 9, 2018 / 10:48

    What a wonderful post. As someone who loves beauty, I feel that taking the time to look my best is empowering. It makes me feel strong and yes intelligent when I’m confident in my appearance. The idea that beauty somehow = dumb is just a sad misogynistic view of the world.

    Keep up the wonderful blog and never apologize for what you love!!
    Megan recently posted…Beach Vacation Beauty Tips to Keep You Feeling and Looking Great

  9. October 22, 2018 / 13:49

    I agreed with you completely and loved how you cited the philosophers and their concepts. x

  10. November 13, 2018 / 02:47

    Hey beautiful girl, you have just added a beauty to your collection and i really liked it very much and impressed with your writing. keep sharing it. Nice Pictures!!
    Thanks!

  11. Rachel
    February 28, 2019 / 11:36

    I absolutely loved this blog post! I even wrote importantly words that you expressed in my journal. For me as someone who dresses down for school and looks like a sloth, the words you stated, “Just like words can be described as linguistic symbols used for communication, so does aesthetica symbolize a certain message you want to convey to others, or even to yourself.” This put me in a position of asking myself “the way I dress currently, is that what I want to show people? that I don’t care and would rather put on a simple hoodie and call it a day?” I buy all these expensive makeup products, yet I don’t even express myself! Thank you for shining this important light on me. Beauty IS powerful!!! Beauty is good!

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