HOW TO SEE THE BEAUTY

The idea of seeing beauty has been embedded in human nature since the beginning of creation. In the Bible, we read that the woman “saw that the tree was good for food and a delight to the eyes” (Genesis 3:6). This early moment reveals an innate human ability to recognize beauty.

Interestingly, while beauty is present throughout Scripture, its opposite—”ugly”—is never mentioned. The word “ugly” did not even exist in biblical times. It entered the English language in the 13th century, borrowed from Scandinavian roots, where it originally meant “fearful.” This historical shift suggests that the concept of ugliness was introduced later, shaped by fear rather than truth.

Just as we are born with the senses of smell and touch, we are all born with the capacity to perceive beauty. We use phrases like “beautiful music,” “beautiful nature,” or even “a beautiful act,” recognizing that beauty is not limited to appearance—it is an experience that touches the heart and soul.

So why do some people seem unable to perceive beauty, and instead focus on what is broken, unpleasant, or fearful? It is said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” But perhaps beauty also lives in the heart—and a fearful heart may block the view. When fear, pain, or disconnection take hold, it can become difficult to see the beauty that surrounds us.

The Bible contains at least 20 different Greek and Hebrew words that are translated into English as “beauty” or “beautiful.” This rich vocabulary shows how important and multifaceted the idea of beauty is in sacred texts.

Let us choose to focus on beauty and open our hearts to it. Even the fallen leaves on the ground—dried, crumpled, and seemingly discarded—can reveal extraordinary beauty to those willing to see. Nature reminds us that beauty is not perfection; it is presence, as you can see in three colorful images “woven” into the text flow of this story.

If you like have permanent presence of the beauty in your home, please go to Amazon, type Manny Kagan and order my beautiful book Reflections. Thank you in advance.

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