"Beauty is not like a distant satellite, but like a sun that gives life and light to all areas of our life," writes Piero Ferrucci, a staff member of the Psychosynthesis Institute of Florence, Italy, and the author of The Power of Kindness. For him, the experience of beauty is multidimensional. It is all around us. All we have to do is wake up and savor its many facets in bodies, places, animals, plants, objects, and people's actions. When we lack beauty in our lives, it is far easier to succumb to depression, restlessness, feelings of futility, and pathologies of all kinds. We are less able to resist the effects of the onslaught of ugliness in violent movies and video games, the despoliation of the natural world, war and landmines, child abuse, and sexual trafficking.
Ferrucci writes: "Beauty is a primary principle that touches all parts and functions of our being. It opens us to the world and brings harmony to our relations with others and with nature; it helps us reach out and touch the entire universe." The author begins this profound mapping of beauty with an examination of it as "an affirmation of life." It enchants us, renews us, and gives us hope. One of the keys to keeping it alive in our consciousness and senses is to see beauty everywhere: "To appreciate the sublime harmony of Olympic dives and madrigals, the elegance of a pole-vaulter and of a mathematical theorem — that is the secret of a broad aesthetic range." Those who love beauty are the truly lucky ones since they are able to love life.
In the second section of the book, Ferrucci examines the ways beauty can serve as a spur to personal taste and one's sense of identity. He also probes the connection between beauty and spontaneity and unpredictability. Since it cannot be possessed, it teaches us to let go and respect the ephemeral nature of all things. In the third section of the book, the subject is the ways beauty advances physical and mental health, heals our wounds, and brings meaning to the pain of the soul.
Ferrucci hits high stride in part four with his treatment of the beauty that grows out of relationships and good deeds. Although beauty is often born in solitude, people like to share it with others, and it is meant to be passed on to others. Being generous and serving others are two dimensions of inner beauty. The mind welcomes this treasure that enhances our openness. Beauty can also challenge us to reverence the earth and promote peace as a valid alternative to war. Ferrucci concludes the book with this thought:
"The world is full of beauty, both hidden and manifest. It is enough to be open, look around, be like a child again. And if we will only give it a little attention, we will find it, we will enjoy it, we will be saved by beauty."
