Conquer Club

What is beauty? Is it a measurable fact (Gottfried Leibniz), or merely an opinion (David Hume), or is it a little of each, colored by the immediate state of mind of the observer (Immanuel Kant)?

Definitely a matter of perception.
We have braincells that activate when we see certain patterns.

Some have been defined by genetic information.

Also, in your early youth, these braincells define themselves by observing. Usually your parents are the people you see most, so you have been programmed to like facial and fysical features that your parents had.


This is beauty of people obviously.

my child... you needn't look far for the answer to your question... the black jesus is pure beauty... the black jesus is pure love... it is that simple, it is that complex... end of the discussion, mods please lock this thread as i have answered my sons query... have a wonderful day, and go in peace...-the black jesus

Black Jesus, are you feeling like a pretty boy now?

In his book The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins describes beauty as a vehicle that our genes use to reproduce in a manor that would give our offspring the best chance of survival.

Beauty is truth, truth beauty -- George Keats

Barramundi Dan wrote:In his book The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins describes beauty as a vehicle that our genes use to reproduce in a manor that would give our offspring the best chance of survival.

Precisely. A very good book, by the way.

I recall seeing a program on this subject on one of the science channels.

... if we are talking about beauty as it relates to people and physical attraction, then this applies...

There are definitely some subjective aspects of beauty/attraction; i.e. eye color, hair length, height, etc. There are also definitely some cultural aspects... these can be dress, body modification, and racial preferences.

That said... there are some universals... and from what I recall...

1) Studies and statistical analysis has shown that 'balanced' features are a major factor in what people generally define as beautiful. I recall they measured things like:
-> The size of the eyes, if eyes were same size and same distance from the bridge of the nose.
-> The length and straightness of mouth.
-> Straight evenly spaced teeth.
-> Length of arms... were the they same length.
-> Propostions of these features in relation to eachother.

2) "Hourglass" figure in women... not necessarily just wide hips... but the ratio of hip width, to the width of the bust and waist is fairly consistent.

3) "V-Shape" figure in men... again, not just muscle, but the ratio of shoulder width to hip and waist.

I am sure there are more... this is what I recall. These preferences were marked across all age ranges, races, and cultures.

These studies can be argued to support the 'Selfish Gene' theory. For examples one could argue that uniformity of feature... balance... is a sign of health, and therefore signifies that one would be a good reproductive partner.


Of course above all the Black Jesus reigns supreme.

OK so we can explain the science of human beauty but what about other forms of beauty such as landscapes, flowers, gardens, puppies ect. Why are we emotionally effected by these things?

Beauty is a structure around a set of limitations.

Barramundi Dan wrote:OK so we can explain the science of human beauty but what about other forms of beauty such as landscapes, flowers, gardens, puppies ect. Why are we emotionally effected by these things?

Is there in truth no beauty?

Woodruff wrote:

Barramundi Dan wrote:OK so we can explain the science of human beauty but what about other forms of beauty such as landscapes, flowers, gardens, puppies ect. Why are we emotionally effected by these things?

Is there in truth no beauty?

Where's Lionz when you need him for such questions?

BigBallinStalin wrote:

Woodruff wrote:

Barramundi Dan wrote:OK so we can explain the science of human beauty but what about other forms of beauty such as landscapes, flowers, gardens, puppies ect. Why are we emotionally effected by these things?

Is there in truth no beauty?

Where's Lionz when you need him for such questions?

Perhaps there is a truth somewhere maybe but I can find it only in this book perhaps but I may be misquoting somewhere.