Brain, Beauty & Behaviour
“You are your best thing.”
(Toni Morrison)
‘Personality’ is something that we call inner beauty which refers to the mindset and character of a person and ‘Looks’ is something that we call outer beauty which simply refers to the physical appearance of a person. Looks can never be a factor based on which an individual should be judged. How we look, what’s the colour of our skin, short or tall, all these traits are God-gifted and we cannot manipulate these.
Looks or what we call “Outer Beauty” can be pretended. There are many ways in which a person can look good, be it Dressing, Make-up, Surgery, or any other treatment but Inner beauty can’t be pretended. It reflects in the behaviour and attitude of a person. A person may possess a very good and dashing appearance but if (s)he doesn’t have morals, ethics, and good personality, he will still be considered evil. Talent and looks are God given, be thankful. Fame and money are man created, be grateful. Attitude and ego are self-created, be careful. (Punarad Sahu) There are two kinds of talent, man-made talent and God-given talent. With man-made talent you have to work very hard. With God-given talent, you just touch it up once in a while. (Pearl Bailey)
The debate between beauty and brains is an ongoing one. There are many different perspectives; some say that beauty and brains can go together, while others say that the two qualities should be judged separately. Beauty is about personality and what kind of person you are. The brain’s development allows humans to be creative, adaptive, and socially connected. The brain has evolved to perceive facial and body shapes, interpret their meaning, and assign value. Aesthetics is a profound trait of the human mind, and cannot be fully captured in empiricist terms. The term “beauty with brains” is considered problematic because society believes the two will never meet. Beauty degenerates with time but what remains forever is what we learn, the knowledge we gain, the power of the brain. Beauty is external. It does no good to other people’s life or even your own life. All that matters is what you are and how you carry yourself.
Sometimes, outer beauty gets more importance, for instance, in fashion shows. Over there, the people will rate you according to your looks and appearance. However, even in a fashion show, the contestants need a positive personality. If (s)he possesses a negative personality, it will be very difficult for him/her to win the crown because personality reflects in your attitude. Moreover, beauty is just a short-sustaining bonus of nature. It doesn’t last for too long with any individual. As you grow older and older, the beauty starts fading. The only thing which will remain with us until our last breath is our inner beauty which is our personality, our attitude, and behaviour towards others. Even after demise, people will remember us for our behaviour, kindness, and professionalism and not for our appearance.
Beauty, often defined by societal norms, is transient and subjective. Trends change, and what is considered attractive today may not hold tomorrow. Moreover, physical appearance is a genetic lottery, beyond individual control. Thus, pinning one’s worth solely on outward appearance is precarious, as it lacks substance and longevity. On the contrary, behaviour reflects one’s true essence, shaped by experiences, values, and choices. Acts of kindness, empathy, integrity, and resilience are timeless qualities that resonate beyond superficial appearances. They form the foundation of relationships, careers, and societal contributions, enriching lives and leaving a legacy far beyond physical attributes.
Unlike beauty, which fades with time, behaviour has a lifetime validity. It endures through the inevitable trials and tribulations, guiding individuals through various stages of life. Whether in personal relationships, professional endeavours, or community engagement, exemplary behaviour stands the test of time, earning respect and admiration. While beauty may open doors initially, it’s behaviour that sustains relationships and fosters meaningful connections. A beautiful facade without substance is like a fragile vase—shattered by the slightest touch. Conversely, genuine behaviour is like a sturdy oak tree, weathering storms and providing shelter and support to those around it.
It’s not our faces but our behaviour that truly defines us! Kindness, empathy, and generosity are the true markers of beauty. When we exhibit these qualities, our faces light up with a radiance that transcends physical appearance. People are known to create a magnetic pull, through their actions, drawing others towards them. Their faces become a reflection of their beautiful souls. In fact, the concept of beauty is far more profound and enduring than one may believe. While our faces may change with time, our behaviour has the power to transcend superficiality and define our true beauty. So, let us strive to cultivate kindness, empathy, and compassion, for it is through these actions that we can genuinely become beautiful beings, both inside and out.
Beauty isn’t static; it evolves over time. Wrinkles may appear, and hair may grey, but these are the marks of a life fully lived. True beauty deepens with age as our hearts grow wiser, more compassionate, and our actions carry greater significance. So, let us remember that our faces may be the first impression, but it’s our behaviour that leaves a lasting impact. In the end, it’s how we treat others and the love we share that truly defines our beauty…. True beauty is ever- evolving. As we grow older, our faces may bear the marks of time, but it’s the wisdom, the depth of character, and the kindness we acquire along the way that make us truly beautiful. Wrinkles may appear, but they are the etchings of a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and moments of genuine connection.
The Society’s fixation on beauty often perpetuates unrealistic standards, leading to insecurity and discontentment. However, by shifting the focus towards behaviour, individuals can cultivate qualities that truly enrich their lives and those around them. Embracing authenticity, empathy, and self-improvement fosters a culture of acceptance and appreciation for the diversity of human experiences.
Looks or Outer Beauty is the one that can be pretended. There are many ways in which a person can look good, be it Dressing, Make-up, Surgery, or any other treatments but Inner beauty can’t be pretended. It reflects in the behaviour and attitude of a person. A person may possess a very good and dashing appearance but if he doesn’t have morals, ethics, and good personality, he will still be considered evil. Sometimes, outer beauty gets more significance, for instance, in fashion shows. Over there, the people will rate you according to your looks and appearance. However, even in a fashion show, the contestants need a positive personality. If he/she possesses a negative personality, it will be very difficult for him/her to win the crown because personality reflects in your attitude. Moreover, beauty is just a short–sustaining bonus of nature. It doesn’t last for too long with any individual. As you grow older and older, the beauty starts to fade. The only thing which will remain with us until our last breath is our inner beauty which is our personality, our attitude, and behaviour towards others. Even after demise, people will remember us for our behaviour, kindness, and professionalism and not on the ground of our appearance.
‘Beautiful people are more likely to be perceived as helpful and kind’ was the finding of a research done at a Western University. The study aimed to understand the connection between pro-social behaviour and physical attractiveness. The study included 249 participants who saw avatars of people who had played the “Dictator Game,” where the players decided how much money to give to others. Participants were required to guess how generous each avatar was and then rate their attractiveness. The results revealed that attractive avatars were expected to have given more money, as well as generous avatars who donated money, were also rated and viewed as attractive. It narrows down on the bi-directional relationship between the positive trait and features. The study also hints through the experiments that when someone engages in pro-social behaviour, they are perceived to be attractive. It’s like two sides of a coin. One evaluation is based on superficial, skin-depth beauty, viewing beautiful people as kind, while on the other hand draws beauty by understanding the values of generosity and kindness. Moral character affects how people see attractiveness.
While beauty may captivate momentarily, behaviour is the true measure of a person’s worth. It transcends superficiality, embodying values and virtues that stand the test of time. Let us prioritize cultivating kindness, integrity, and compassion, for in the tapestry of life, it is behaviour that leaves a lasting imprint—a legacy of lifetime validity.
To conclude, one should focus on and work on one’s personality and make sure that one’s behaviour and attitude are not hurting anyone and people consider him a wise and a gentle person. Whatever beautifulness and smartness one may try to manoeuvre, at the end of the day, if one doesn’t get moral pleasure and peace of mind that you have done right to all those whose paths crossed you throughout the day, you won’t be considered a beautiful person. And this moral pleasure comes from nowhere other than people’s blessings.
Bhushan Lal Razdan, formerly of the Indian Revenue Service, retired as Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Chandigarh.
