Frithjof Schuon speaks on the topic of Beauty

Philosopher and author Frithjof Schuon (1907–1998) speaks about the metaphysical (i.e. divine) origin of manifested beauty, and the importance of beauty in our lives. He begins: “Man needs beauty and he needs also symbolism.” Schuon explains that although human beings may put themselves to study or think about metaphysics, they, as human beings, will also feel a need to assimilate it or to incorporate it into themselves at a non-discursive, deeper level. This is done through openness to symbolism, which is the portal through which the Beauty of metaphysical Realities steps into consciousness, our souls. Our receptivity to symbolism reveals to our attentive senses the full Beauty that lives within so many things that we encounter in our everyday lives.