Let Beauty Speak: The Art of Being Human in a Culture of Noise

by Jimmy Mitchell

While there are many enemies of truth and goodness in today’s culture of noise, rare and few are the enemies of beauty. Very few argue with a blood orange sunset, a towering mountain range, a newborn child, or an ancient church. Above all, nobody argues with the beauty of the saints—from the humble witness of Mother Teresa to the joyful wit of G.K. Chesterton.

The ten principles of this book will empower you to follow their example in bringing beauty to the forefront of your life and reminding the world what it means to be human. From embracing a childlike wonder to integrating prayer, work, and leisure into your everyday life, this is your how-to guide for evangelizing others by first living your humanity as well.

If not you, then who? If not now, then when? Turn these principles into a way of life, and you’ll join the long line of saints whose holiness was the remedy for the isolation, confusion, an meaninglessness of their times.

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Faith

211 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2021

Reviews

[Carole Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took months to read, but not because it was a chore. Rather, I read when I could put time aside to ponder and reflect. There were so many beautiful stories, antidotes, and connections to scripture and saints!
On the cover page of this book, I write notes that refer to my favorite points. And throughout the book, I underlined and starred and drew hearts for amazing statements.
I enjoyed reflecting on the philosophy and river of each of the 10 themes the books focuses on. I highly recommend this book! It became an instant favorite for me.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful, thought-provoking look at the concepts of God, beauty, and what it means to be truly happy and truly human. I highly recommend this to readers of all faith traditions, especially those who are earnestly seeking truth and want to find a true connection with God. That connection comes through beauty, because God is Beauty, just as He is found in love, because God is Love. A wonderful book.

[Kat Hurd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a spiritual read that required a pencil always at the ready for underlines and margin notes (of which I made plenty). I felt filled and stirred into action at the end of each chapter! This is certainly a book I’ll return to and use as a resource often. If you’re despairing about a noisy culture and yearning for a little basking in Beauty’s light, this is for you. In fact, I think it’s for everyone.

[VictorianSarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable and inspiring read! The author looks at ten key principles (among them freedom, friendship, wonder, prayer, leisure, work, etc) to highlight the stunning pursuit of what is Good, True, and Beautiful. I appreciated many of his reflections, and I also like that each chapter ends with 1) a list of "personal application" suggestions and 2) a list of books (from great writers!) on that chapter's topic. I enjoyed the book! Heal and renew the culture!

[Chris Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitchell presents spiritual basics in an engaging way, but at the end of the day, it's not much that is quite new (although his focus on wonder & beauty to sow the seeds of the Gospel was fantastic and points that need more emphasis in the Church today)

[Anna Maria Cartaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

We can deny truth and we can deny goodness, but not many human beings can deny true beauty.

“In any culture that is dark and despairing, Beauty is the answer. Not beautiful things in creation but Beauty itself, ever ancient and ever new” (184).

[Maria Gerring · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guide to living a fulfilling Christian life within the modern world with practical suggestions and personal anecdotes.