Summary

The article suggests that beauty, while unable to save the world at large, has the power to save individuals from the ugliness and despair that pervades society.

Abstract

In a world often overshadowed by negativity and ugliness, the article posits that beauty holds a transformative power that can act as a personal salvation. It acknowledges the skepticism surrounding the idea that beauty can save the world, a notion famously attributed to Dostoevsky. However, it argues that while beauty may not have the capacity to prevent global atrocities or shield cities from invasion, it can indeed save individuals from succumbing to the bleakness of their surroundings. The author, inspired by Solzhenitsyn's reflection on Dostoevsky's statement, emphasizes that the undeniable truth of a true work of art can penetrate even the most hardened hearts, offering a glimpse of hope and reminding us of the world's inherent beauty. The article calls for a proactive approach to beauty: to curate by seeking it out in everyday life, and to cultivate by integrating artistic practices into our daily routines. By doing so, individuals can preserve their sense of hope and resilience in an often challenging world.

Opinions

The author believes that while beauty may not have the power to save the world on a grand scale, it is capable of saving individuals from despair.
There is a recognition that the world is filled with many "ugly" realities, such as abuse, destruction, and death.
The article suggests that exposure to art and beauty can break through the emotional defenses we build against the world's harshness.
Solzhenitsyn's perspective is highlighted, questioning the practicality of Dostoevsky's claim but also acknowledging the unique ability of beauty to force the heart to surrender.
The author advocates for the active pursuit and creation of beauty in one's life, suggesting that this is not just a passive reflection but a necessary action for personal preservation.
The call to action includes specific suggestions like seeking out art, music, and nature, as well as engaging in creative activities such as writing, drawing, or photography.
The article implies that in a world filled with ugliness, the conscious effort to embrace beauty is essential for individual well-being and survival.

Will Beauty Save the World? It Can Save Yours.

An unconventional practice that could transform your living in this often dreary and depressing world

“Beauty will save the world” — Dostoevsky

What do you make of that statement? Do you agree? Do you find it to be shallow — what beauty, whose standards?

Does it ring hopelessly naive?

The Ugliness

“Ugly” can be an insult. It can also be an unfortunate reality. We unlock our phones to be bombarded by blue light and the news of the latest atrocity. There are many ugly things in this world.

Abuse.

Destruction.

Death.

The eyes can only take so much. The heart can take even less. And even if we shut off our phones we can’t shut off the world. So many of us see the misery around us, the world in shades of gray and grayer. Like houses long abandoned, many people’s faces might as well have a sign out in front:

“Hope no longer lives here.”

What Can Beauty Do?

Alexander Solzhenitsyn said in his Nobel Prize winning speech:

“One day Dostoevsky threw out the enigmatic remark: ‘Beauty will save the world’. What sort of a statement is that? For a long time I considered it mere words. How could that be possible? When in bloodthirsty history did beauty ever save anyone from anything? Ennobled, uplifted, yes — but whom has it saved?”

Good question.

How can beauty save? I’ve wondered the same thing. Never has an art museum protected a city from invaders. A portrait cannot keep you company. Music cannot drown out the sound of sirens.

And yet —

Even if beauty cannot save the world. It can save something. It can save you.

Solzhenitsyn went on to say in that speech, listen to this:

“There is, however, a certain peculiarity in the essence of beauty, a peculiarity in the status of art: namely, the convincingness of a true work of art is completely irrefutable and it forces even an opposing heart to surrender.”

It forces the heart to surrender. It scales the walls of bitterness and apathy in our souls, the callouses that exposure to the ugliness of the world builds in us. It conquers us by reminding us that there is more.

Beauty will save the world.

And it will do by saving you first.

Don’t Stop Here

This isn’t just a reflection piece. This is a call to action. We must make an effort to seek out beauty where it can be found.

Two words: curate and cultivate.

Curate

You need to look for beauty. Search for it. Look wherever you are. In the art that decorates the street. In the music that plays at the cafe. In the smile of a laughing child.

Find artists that you like. This is not optional. Find authors that move you.

Look.

Cultivate

And then cultivate. Cultivate practices of beauty in your life and I don’t mean a new makeup routine. I mean start a habit of reading a little poetry every day. Become an amateur photographer — or a professional. Learn to draw and doodle.

And for most of you reading this, this means to write. Daily. Express yourself. Make an effort to make things beautiful. Play with metaphor and simile. Write your post on how to succeed on Medium, but also write something just for the sheer joy of putting words together, artistic architecture.

Very few are doing this, but if you want to survive and thrive in this messed-up world, you need to.

Curate and cultivate.

Save yourself.