Editorial December 26, 1977 Issue

"The recipe for beauty"

Geoffrey J. Barratt

Light glancing across a weathered shutter or an ancient wall; a winter sunset; the color-explosion of neon lights coming on at dusk in a modern city; the form of a dry twig; the style of a pair of shoes; a witty response that relieves a gloomy remark; an intriguingly wrapped gift; the subtle colors of faded cloth; rain washing grime from a window.

These have something in common. In their diverse ways they can represent forms of beauty to different people. But such instances of beauty are momentary. The lights go out again. All beauty in matter comes and goes. And it can be swamped by ugliness.

But beauty as a concept is not in the material objects or sounds that seem to be its medium. It comes from Soul, God. It is unlimited and lasting because Soul is. The ability to enjoy beauty, to create it in artistic forms—these come from Soul.

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