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Beauty: What It is and Why It Matters
We are meant for beauty, and beauty is meant for us. What we moderns have forgotten, the ancients knew true beauty heals the soul, draws us to God, and yields lasting happiness. Rich with the wisdom of Plato, Augustine, Aquinas, and St. John Paul II, these pages unpack perennial truths about beauty and rivet them into your soul, opening the eyes of your understanding to the beauty all around us. Offering an abundance of accessible examples, author John Mark Miravalle demonstrates that beauty is neither in the eye of the beholder, nor for the cultivated, the dreamer, or the “hopeless romantic” alone. On the contrary, the ability to understand, recognize, and delight in beauty readies all souls for heaven—and makes it easier for us to get there. From these pages, you’ll • Why beauty is not just a matter of opinion • The virtues we need to perceive beauty and to enjoy it • How to determine whether an artwork is truly beautiful • The respective roles of reason and emotion in appreciating beauty • How the beauty of nature testifies to God’s existence . . . while rejection of God obscures nature’s beauty With the help of these pages, you’ll receive fresh eyes to marvel again (or for the first time) at the beauty of nature, music, art, architecture, and, most importantly, the beauty of God, the fountainhead and exemplar of all things on earth that are beautiful.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2019
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415 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 21, 2020
This is a very good examination of the different aspects of Beauty as a physical and aesthetic quality, from the standpoint of Christian philosophy. Aquinas, Chesterton, and Augustine feature prominently in this work. The book is divided into three parts which cover the nature of Beauty, man-made Beauty, and Beauty and the supernatural.
The primary emphasis of the book is on the moral dimension of Beauty and the conviction that truth, beauty, and goodness exist and are independently verifiable. Miravalle leads the reader into acknowledging that recognizing goodness, order, and Beauty is a moral obligation, recognizing that God is the God of order, not chaos. Referring to Phil 4:8, “…deep feeling, a passionate reaction, is part and parcel of the whole experience of beauty…the beholding of beauty can direct our passions, which, in turn, provide powerful motivators for action toward spiritual goodness and truth.” (p.12). He argues that “…beauty draws a person toward immaterial truth and goodness...[and] are all intrinsically equivalent…”(p.13), and beauty makes us desire and pursue higher things, leading to fulfillment. Importantly, on the other side, “…sin and selfishness spoil beauty. Vice kills appreciation. Asceticism is a prerequisite to aestheticism. Only the innocence born of self-control keeps the world fresh and glimmering.” (p. 15). Miravalle argues that everything about us is designed to serve and glorify God; delight in beauty, as a human passion, helps us to rejoice in the Lord. Our reaction to art, or music, or another human being, as long as the passion is not degraded, is a way to delight in God.
While I personally understand his argument and agree, I couldn’t help but think that 157 pages is much too brief to argue such a profound aspect of being human. The book was VERY lightly footnoted, and the range of sources was limited, nevertheless, I believe that this serves as an important introduction to how we should view God’s creation, our place in it, and how we interact with that creation.
The primary emphasis of the book is on the moral dimension of Beauty and the conviction that truth, beauty, and goodness exist and are independently verifiable. Miravalle leads the reader into acknowledging that recognizing goodness, order, and Beauty is a moral obligation, recognizing that God is the God of order, not chaos. Referring to Phil 4:8, “…deep feeling, a passionate reaction, is part and parcel of the whole experience of beauty…the beholding of beauty can direct our passions, which, in turn, provide powerful motivators for action toward spiritual goodness and truth.” (p.12). He argues that “…beauty draws a person toward immaterial truth and goodness...[and] are all intrinsically equivalent…”(p.13), and beauty makes us desire and pursue higher things, leading to fulfillment. Importantly, on the other side, “…sin and selfishness spoil beauty. Vice kills appreciation. Asceticism is a prerequisite to aestheticism. Only the innocence born of self-control keeps the world fresh and glimmering.” (p. 15). Miravalle argues that everything about us is designed to serve and glorify God; delight in beauty, as a human passion, helps us to rejoice in the Lord. Our reaction to art, or music, or another human being, as long as the passion is not degraded, is a way to delight in God.
While I personally understand his argument and agree, I couldn’t help but think that 157 pages is much too brief to argue such a profound aspect of being human. The book was VERY lightly footnoted, and the range of sources was limited, nevertheless, I believe that this serves as an important introduction to how we should view God’s creation, our place in it, and how we interact with that creation.
July 15, 2022
Esperaba algo mejor, con mayor fundamento filosófico o estético y no una alegoría hacia la belleza desde el punto de vista moral y cristiano.
Hay tanto que investigar y hablar sobre el tema desde otra perspectiva que el aporte puede ser muy significativo, y no desde una postura muy sesgada e impositiva.
Otro fallo y que es muy evidente, no supo delimitar el tema, por eso habla de tanto y no llega a nada concreto.
Hay tanto que investigar y hablar sobre el tema desde otra perspectiva que el aporte puede ser muy significativo, y no desde una postura muy sesgada e impositiva.
Otro fallo y que es muy evidente, no supo delimitar el tema, por eso habla de tanto y no llega a nada concreto.
September 30, 2025
This was a beautiful exposition into the nature of beauty, and its right orientation being a blend of order and surprise which mirrors the cosmic creativity of our Divine Creator. I really enjoyed Miravalle’s analysis of the rightly oriented nature of beauty in literature and art, as well as his development of the claim that the appreciation and cultivation of beauty in our lives is not merely an aesthetic hobby, but a moral mandate given to all humanity. Awesome book, and while there were some aspects of his analysis that I didn’t entirely agree with, I still learned so much from this wonderful piece.
August 25, 2023
This probably deserves 3.5 stars. As an Anabaptist I found the Marian devotion a bit distracting in an otherwise primarily good book. Particularly I like the framework that defining beauty as offering both "order and surprise", which is helpful in critiquing some modern art that is strong on the "surprise" part, but is only that—shocking, but offering no order, and consequently no beauty. It's also a valid framework for critiquing capitalism which focuses on efficiency above all (see the prevalence of chain link fence, beige walls and drop ceilings). That includes many things that are quite ordered, but offer no surprise, which the author labels as "banality". Previously I had trouble articulating why modern office spaces are so terrible, even if they are unoffensive, but now I see mostly that they very much succumb to this banality.
The author also has some insights on the fine arts, however, I felt much more could be said, but to be fair, that probably deserves a book of its own.
The author's thoughts on the beauty of the human body were pretty spot on, even though some tension remained, but perhaps that's by design.
The author also has some insights on the fine arts, however, I felt much more could be said, but to be fair, that probably deserves a book of its own.
The author's thoughts on the beauty of the human body were pretty spot on, even though some tension remained, but perhaps that's by design.
March 1, 2023
In the introduction, Miravalle gives somewhat of a disclaimer, more or less stating that this book will not be beautiful in itself but will be about understanding beauty. But it does feel a little unfair to just dismiss the fact that learning about beauty can at times be beautiful itself. There are points throughout the book when something surprising aligns with the order of Miravalle's argument, mostly when he's talking explicitly about Jesus or when he draws on his family for an analogy, and the reader has an experience of beauty. While the focus of the book still remains a more academic understanding of the aspects of beauty, this book isn't devoid of actual beauty.
June 28, 2019
A true account of beauty. This book is both philosophical and theological in its perspective, but does a wonderful job of connecting the examples to modern objects and places and breaking down the truth for all readers to digest. My understanding of beauty has shifted for the better after reading this book.
July 28, 2023
This book was a gift from a dear friend. I really enjoyed it, especially because he critiques the banal mess that is most modern art.
January 28, 2023
Very readable and accessible, great starting point for some of the more heady Catholic philosophy of aesthetics. But the book is also concerned with the ethical dimension of beauty, which means that beyond being merely descriptive it also makes demands on you the reader. The chapters on different art forms are brief and leave a lot unsaid; I don’t want to say they were shallow because this isn’t the main concern of the book, so I’ll just say these are interesting starting points that the reader would have to follow up on with other books. I liked the book until the last two chapters, at which point I loved the book. Very striking ideas about how we get to know the splendor of the Holy Spirit through Mary, and how Mary is the perfection of man’s upward-facing love for God just as Jesus is the perfection of God’s downward facing love for mankind. Really powerful, rich stuff. And so easy to read!
September 19, 2022
¡Increíble libro! Excelente introducción al concepto de la belleza, es através de la moral cristiana. Habla sobre cómo la belleza nos puede enseñar a vivir con sentido en el arte, la música, la arquitectura, la sexualidad y el cuerpo humano... #saludos
April 3, 2023
One of the most thought-provoking reads I’ve enjoyed in a long while.
August 13, 2020
Honestly the first book I’ve read about the connection between beauty and art from a theological perspective that isn’t cheesy or so “pious” and lofty feeling. This book made me think about the contrast between what I am taught in art school vs what the purpose of art and beauty is in God’s perspective. The purpose for art, as a Christ follower, is to bring about beauty and celebrate the beauty of the Beloved Son. Yet this doesn’t entail making “pretty things” in light of Christ, but fully integrating suffering into creating the beautiful. After reading I am more aware of what I am called to do as an artist for God. I am more aware of how I’ve failed by falling into the cliche or the perversion of distortion and surprise only. I’m sitting with the fact also that my work will never be “perfect” because I am not perfect, yet it will image the divine because Christ lives in me. It is not either or/thinking, but rather a both/and. At first I just wanted to beat myself up for not making beautiful art, but then as the book progressed I realized I am making beautiful artwork- what God terms as beautiful and the world’s definition stray from each other far too easily and often.
July 21, 2020
The title explains it all- Excellent explanation of what beauty is and why everyone should care. My favorite takeaway is his exhortation that art needs to be recovered from the idea that it’s a social hobby. Beauty is for everyone and therefore good art is, too. Worth a read
April 17, 2020
Man yearns for the beauty which is hinted at in art and ultimately found in God. Not much Scripture. 7/10
January 15, 2021
Beauty is an integral part of our humanity, and whoever or whatever disfigures, disjoints, or displays ugliness does not fulfill the pattern and surprise of the beautiful.
April 16, 2021
Miravalle wrote a gem in this book.
Here are my thoughts:
1. Miravalle shared in the introduction how a masterpiece is often associated with the messiness of the easel, paint sprayed everywhere, and paintbrushes on the floor. However, the great artists accepted the smaller messiness for the higher beauty of the masterpiece. So too it is in life with raising children and having a messy house (The children's souls are the masterpiece that is more important and for a priest in the confessional who will hear troubling stories but it is the soul of the sinner that is the masterpiece at work). I loved this from Miravalle.
2. Order and surprise. The two dynamics of beauty and how they are both needed. Miravalle shared very clearly how order is vitally important for God Himself is order and loves order. The thought of training one's eyes and heart on beauty as seen through order; to discipline oneself to see true beauty is a moral act because it helps us with our final end (beatific vision; heaven). I enjoyed this thought.
3. Miravalle does a wonderful job of sharing the thoughts of the giants: Aquinas, Plato, Aristotle, GK Chesterton, and John Paul II. A wide range of brilliant voices are heard in this book.
Here are my thoughts:
1. Miravalle shared in the introduction how a masterpiece is often associated with the messiness of the easel, paint sprayed everywhere, and paintbrushes on the floor. However, the great artists accepted the smaller messiness for the higher beauty of the masterpiece. So too it is in life with raising children and having a messy house (The children's souls are the masterpiece that is more important and for a priest in the confessional who will hear troubling stories but it is the soul of the sinner that is the masterpiece at work). I loved this from Miravalle.
2. Order and surprise. The two dynamics of beauty and how they are both needed. Miravalle shared very clearly how order is vitally important for God Himself is order and loves order. The thought of training one's eyes and heart on beauty as seen through order; to discipline oneself to see true beauty is a moral act because it helps us with our final end (beatific vision; heaven). I enjoyed this thought.
3. Miravalle does a wonderful job of sharing the thoughts of the giants: Aquinas, Plato, Aristotle, GK Chesterton, and John Paul II. A wide range of brilliant voices are heard in this book.
October 18, 2025
Another book I’ve picked up this year that wasn’t really what I expected.
My first instinct to describe it on finishing the final page is:
“Well… that was very American.”
Which isn’t at all to say that’s a bad thing, it’s just that I find that when things are so … American … it can get a bit much to get through.
Apparently this was based off a unit the author used to teach at some uni, and this feels a bit more like a lecture theatre than reading a compelling argument, so I feel like I might actually get a lot from just listening or talking to the bloke.
Anyway.
There wasn’t anything overly new or massively compelling in this book, but I did find that he articulated some things I’ve thought about a lot quite well, like the development of a palate and exactly why some comedians are successful and others aren’t. The moral obligations that people let go of (including myself) that are tied to beauty was an interesting thesis, and gave me some perspective that I’ve probably been searching for this last decade or so.
Would recommend, but only if you’re in the mood for some serious self-reflection and a slathering of Americanisms.
My first instinct to describe it on finishing the final page is:
“Well… that was very American.”
Which isn’t at all to say that’s a bad thing, it’s just that I find that when things are so … American … it can get a bit much to get through.
Apparently this was based off a unit the author used to teach at some uni, and this feels a bit more like a lecture theatre than reading a compelling argument, so I feel like I might actually get a lot from just listening or talking to the bloke.
Anyway.
There wasn’t anything overly new or massively compelling in this book, but I did find that he articulated some things I’ve thought about a lot quite well, like the development of a palate and exactly why some comedians are successful and others aren’t. The moral obligations that people let go of (including myself) that are tied to beauty was an interesting thesis, and gave me some perspective that I’ve probably been searching for this last decade or so.
Would recommend, but only if you’re in the mood for some serious self-reflection and a slathering of Americanisms.
December 28, 2023
My daughter bought me this book, quite randomly she admits, and what a joy it was to read! (Thanks, Erin!)
It talks about beauty - what it is and what it means in different contexts to different people. But truth be told there are certain things of beauty in the world that cannot be disputed. The author had me laugh out loud a couple of times when discussing a couple of things that truly are NOT beautiful but there are attempts to present them as such.
It is a thought provoking book because we use the word “beauty” (and many words actually) so carelessly. It struck me, for example, how he pointed out we now scroll past fabulous pictures on INSTAGRAM because our eyes have gotten used to seeing these images. In the past, we would gaze at a beautiful picture and take in every detail, admire it, discuss it and ponder what must like to be there and even discuss it with who was there.
The author does a much more eloquent job of writing it so I’ll leave that to you!
It talks about beauty - what it is and what it means in different contexts to different people. But truth be told there are certain things of beauty in the world that cannot be disputed. The author had me laugh out loud a couple of times when discussing a couple of things that truly are NOT beautiful but there are attempts to present them as such.
It is a thought provoking book because we use the word “beauty” (and many words actually) so carelessly. It struck me, for example, how he pointed out we now scroll past fabulous pictures on INSTAGRAM because our eyes have gotten used to seeing these images. In the past, we would gaze at a beautiful picture and take in every detail, admire it, discuss it and ponder what must like to be there and even discuss it with who was there.
The author does a much more eloquent job of writing it so I’ll leave that to you!
June 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Miravalle makes the argument that we have the moral obligation to pursue and protect beauty in the same way we pursue truth & goodness.
Something I’ve been reflecting on post-book is the role of women to be cultivators of beauty. In prior times, women cultivated beauty in the home & family. In a world that doesn’t value homemakers, it’s not surprising to see that homes, food, and culture have become sterile/ void of beauty.
While it’s not the primary focus of the book, I would recommend this book to SAHMs :)
Something I’ve been reflecting on post-book is the role of women to be cultivators of beauty. In prior times, women cultivated beauty in the home & family. In a world that doesn’t value homemakers, it’s not surprising to see that homes, food, and culture have become sterile/ void of beauty.
While it’s not the primary focus of the book, I would recommend this book to SAHMs :)
February 14, 2022
As an art student I found this very informative for understanding the Catholic philosophy of art. I find myself continuing to mull over certain sections as I consider whether I accept them into my practice. This book is best read as a conversation with someone. Ask it questions; it will answer. I did not always agree with or like the answers it gave me, but they were always well supported and explained, nothing unreasonable or malicious, simply different from what I expected or prefered.
March 7, 2023
Aunque disfrute bastante de su lectura ya que ofrece una reflexión profunda y espiritual sobre diversos temas me esperaba un mayor aporte filosófico del tema principal. Un balance 50/50 entre lo teológico y lo filosófico hubiera estado ideal.
October 31, 2024
This was an excellent book. 4 stars because he makes some unequivocal statements that I think should've been nuanced, but undoubtedly Miravelle is a good writer. The book is dense yet easy to read, and I definitely felt convicted about the role of beauty in moral formation. Highly recommend.
April 23, 2022
Well worth the read.
December 6, 2022
Beautiful Book
Lots to reflect on here. Life would be beautiful if we all read this book and put it into practice.
Lots to reflect on here. Life would be beautiful if we all read this book and put it into practice.
February 23, 2025
some arguments didn’t follow through all the way, but overall a wonderfully comprehensive and easy to digest look at the traditional understandings of aesthetics
November 22, 2020
A fascinating lecture-style presentation on beauty.
November 24, 2023
I really appreciated the logical breakdown of what beauty is, and the ability to use this logic to determine why things in this world world are either beautiful or not.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews