Is Beauty Everything?

I’ve been thinking a lot about the current TikTok discourse. People talking about beauty, saying that it’s  the most important thing you can have in life. 

And in some ways I agree. Being beautiful can open doors, and it’s no question that beautiful people are treated better by society. It’s a sad, but objective fact of the world we live in. Our little monkey brains are programmed to trust and value beautiful people. 

But to say it’s the most important thing you can have in life? I’m inclined to disagree. I am not a conventionally attractive person. I’m overweight, and I have skin problems. But these things don’t necessarily bother me. I wouldn’t call myself confident, but comfortable in my own skin. 

Because I’m not the beauty standard, I’ve had to work so much harder at forming meaningful connections with others. And due to that work I’ve learned how to connect with people in really deep and meaningful ways. And I know those connections are genuine and not superficial. I trust that people are around me for no alternative motives other than that they want to be with me. 

Beauty is valuable, but it is also temporary. Everyone will age, accidents can happen, sickness, you name it. It will fade is one way or another. So if you devote all your time and attention to being beautiful, that’s alright, but keep in mind that a foundation of good character, kindness, and empathy can take you just as far, if not ever farther. 

Take care of yourself as best as you can, but don’t despair if you don't meet the standards. There is genuinely so much more to life.