In my previous column, I wrote about the beauty of the human form. I pointed out that despite cultural and individual preferences, by and large, people share similar ideas about what makes someone beautiful.
Furthermore, the physical features we find attractive in men and women (lustrous hair, unblemished skin, toned muscles, etc) tend to denote health and vigour.
Beauty has the power to arouse admiration. It is natural for us to admire those with beautiful faces and figures and to want to look just as attractive ourselves.
We must, however, keep a sense of proportion. Looks aren't everything. Far from it. Research shows that stunningly attractive people are scarcely happier than the rest of us. So it is unwise to invest too much time and energy in the pursuit of beauty. As with so much in life, it is a matter of balance.
Aristotle's Golden Mean
The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BCE) believed that balance is an essential element of the life well-lived.
If we examine any aspect of our lives, says Aristotle, we will find that there is a virtuous middle-state lying between two non-virtuous extremes. This middle-state is often referred to as the 'Golden Mean', though Aristotle himself never uses the phrase.
For example, we all have to face frightening situations from time to time. If we allow fear to overwhelm us and prevent us from acting decisively, then we are cowardly. But if we are oblivious to fear, and behave recklessly, we are foolhardy. Between these two points lies courage: a middle state in which we give fear its due but do not allow it to dictate our actions.
Similar considerations apply to anger. Those who take anger to excess are wrathful; whereas those deficient in anger are timid. Once again, the virtuous person steers a middle course. It is difficult to find an appropriate label, but assertive comes close.
It is important to note that the Golden Mean does not necessarily lie halfway between two extremes. Its precise location depends upon the individual and upon circumstances. What would be considered courageous in a soldier might well be foolhardy in a civilian.
Aristotle gives a limited number of examples to illustrate the Golden Mean. But we can fruitfully apply his reasoning to any aspect of our lives.
Take work, for example. Too little commitment to work leaves us unable to provide adequately for ourselves and our families. But in excess, it leads to the unbalanced lifestyle of the 'workaholic'. The Golden Mean lies somewhere between.
Personal beauty
What would be the Golden Mean with regard to personal beauty? Aristotle does not address this question. Perhaps he considered it unimportant. But that need not deter us from puzzling it out for ourselves.
A good starting point might be to consider what an excessive preoccupation with beauty would involve. For me, this conjures up an image of someone who wastes money on overpriced cosmetics, follows fad-diets, is terrified of ageing, and judges themselves and others largely in terms of physical appearance. This kind of person might be labelled vain.
Next, we might consider what would be deficient in this regard. Here, the image I have is of someone who pays little attention to personal hygiene, is ill-groomed, and has let themselves 'go' through lack of exercise. The best label I can come up with is slovenly.
Somewhere between these extremes lies the Golden Mean. Precisely what this involves depends upon individuals and their circumstances. We might reasonably expect a young man on a first date to take great pains over his appearance. Plus, some people are naturally inclined to take an interest in clothes, hair and suchlike. Good luck to them. It would be a very dull world otherwise.
But, in general, I have an image of someone who practices good hygiene, takes reasonable care over personal grooming and gets enough exercise to stay fit and healthy.
Interestingly, this brings us full-circle. The features of the human body that we find beautiful are those that denote health and vitality; and the most balanced way to pursue personal beauty is to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Of course, there are many ways to be beautiful. Physical appearance is only part of the story. This will be the subject of my next column.
gary@garyhayden.co.uk
Gary Hayden is a freelance writer who specialises in education, science & philosophy, health & well-being, travel and short fiction.
This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on Apr 9, 2008.
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