Art Quote Of The Day – Jean Anouilh

“Things are beautiful if you love them.” – Jean Anouilh

Love It or Leave It: The Secret to Finding Beauty in Everything

Have you ever stared at something in bewilderment, wondering why on Earth anyone would find it beautiful? I mean, we’ve all seen those paintings that look like a toddler had a paint fight with a bowl of spaghetti. Yet, somehow, they stand proudly in galleries, being admired by art enthusiasts who are clearly operating at a different level of consciousness than the rest of us. But here’s the kicker—things are beautiful if you love them.

Let’s think about it for a second. Beauty is often described as something that pleases the senses. But if that’s the case, why do some of us find solace in the sound of rain tapping gently against a window, while others view it as an annoying precursor to a soggy sock situation? It’s all about perspective. While one person may curse the clouds for ruining their weekend barbecue, another might revel in the cozy ambiance that a rainy day brings—a perfect excuse to curl up with a cup of tea and that book they’ve been meaning to finish since the last ice age.

The truth is, the world is an expansive canvas filled with shades of love and vibrant hues of hate. It’s easy to overlook beauty when we’re too busy wrapping ourselves in tight coils of judgment. Who decided that a scuffed old chair in the corner of a coffee shop isn’t a masterpiece, just because it doesn’t resemble the sleek, modern lines of designer furniture? Maybe, just maybe, that chair has been the steadfast companion of countless aspiring writers, heartbroken lovers, and caffeine-fueled students burning the midnight oil. It has stories, history, and a certain charm that only comes from being well-loved. In its own unique way, it’s beautiful.

And let’s not forget about people. Oh boy, the beautiful contradiction that is humanity! There are those stunning supermodels with glowing skin and perfect hair, and then there are the rest of us—awkward, lovable, and gloriously imperfect. Yet, isn’t it fascinating how we often find beauty in quirks? That charming stutter someone has when excitedly discussing their favorite book, or the way a friend’s laugh is more contagious than a sneeze in a packed elevator? Love allows us to embrace these little nuances, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.

So, how do we cultivate a love for the “ugly” or “weird”? The first step is perhaps letting go of our pre-conceived notions of what beauty should be. Instead of asking ourselves, “Why would anyone find this beautiful?” we might try, “What story does this tell?” or “Who has loved this before me?” When we create space for these questions, we open our hearts and minds to seeing beauty where we least expect it—like in the shape of that half-eaten pizza—or better yet, in the joy it brings when shared among friends (with or without pineapple, if that’s your thing).

In a world that often feels divided between the aesthetically pleasing and the visually offensive, let’s embrace the notion that beauty thrives in the eye of the beholder. Love is the secret ingredient that transforms the mundane into the magnificent. So, whether you’re admiring a wobbly sculpture that probably doesn’t obey the laws of physics or gazing at a sunset that’s so breathtaking you might just have an existential crisis, remember this: everything holds a form of beauty if you’re willing to fall in love with it—even if that love is slightly perplexing.

Now, go forth and look around you! Love it, embrace it, and watch as the world unfolds in shimmering colors, all thanks to your newfound appreciation for the beautiful messiness of life. Remember, life’s quirks are not just the cherry on top; they are the entire sundae, sprinkles and all.