Divine Definitions: (1) The most exquisite Person in the universe. The personal quality that gives pleasure to the senses, exalts the mind, and elevates the spirit by pattern, harmony, and/or truth; (2) The aesthetic effect produced by harmony; (3) The essence of any excellent quality; (4) Grace with charm; delightful; (5) Intensely pleasing; extremely fine; (6) Artistic; attractive; lovely
Quote: Beauty is always triumphant over ugliness in the hearts of all who are illuminated by the love of truth. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD), The Urantia Book, 156:5.5
Reflection: Our idea of beauty is so paltry compared with the grandeur of The Divine Beauty that it seems hopelessly meager. And yet these are the words we have available to use. One possibility is to extend the concept from an idea to an ideal and then it can be felt as well as known.
BEAUTY
Human Definitions: (1) the quality or combination of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses, exalts the mind, or elevates the spirit by their harmony, pattern, excellence, or truth; loveliness; (2) any particularly attractive, graceful, ornamental, or excellent characteristic; (3) a special grace or charm; delightful; (4) generally pleasing; very fine
Quotes:
• Beauty is built into every jot and tittle of creation – into every atomic brick! Beauty soaks reality like water fills a rag. — Chet Raymo (1936-) American Naturalist
• Beauty is a living reality that must be practiced to be fully realized. And the receiving and giving rhythm of appreciation and expression is how beauty is acted out and embodied. — Steve McIntosh (1960-) American Author
• The world in which we live needs beauty if it is not to fall into despair. Beauty, like truth … is a precious fruit which withstands the ravages of time, which unites generations and which prompts them to communicate. — Second Vatican Council (1962) Message to Artists