- Athenaeum
- Posts
- Why Aesthetics Matter
Hey,
Welcome to the fifth edition of The Athenaeum! I’m thrilled to have you here as part of this community. Every Wednesday (I know it's Thursday. I haven't had time to write a letter for the last three weeks.) , I’ll be sharing thoughts and insights on three topics that I find endlessly fascinating: beauty, philosophy, and business.
This week, we dive into aesthetics…
“I get that functionality is key, but why spend so much time on making things look beautiful? Isn’t that just superficial?”
Maybe his question resonates with you too.
Maybe you’re wondering the same thing.
Why should you care about aesthetics?
If that’s you, keep reading.
What I’m about to reveal might surprise you…
Why Aesthetics Matter More Than You Think
Aesthetics shape the narrative of our experiences.
Don’t believe me?
Last year, I visited a museum known for its stunning architecture.
It was a revelation.
Standing in those beautifully crafted spaces, I felt a profound connection to the art around me.
I asked myself, “Why do these surroundings affect me so deeply?”
A quiet voice inside responded, “Because beauty speaks to the soul.”
Aesthetics aren’t just about superficial appearances.
They touch us on a deeper level, influencing our emotions and perceptions.
Think about your favorite place.
Is it just about what you do there, or also about how it makes you feel?
The latter is often shaped by its aesthetics.
But often, you might overlook this.
Believing function is all that matters.
Ignoring the power of beauty to transform an experience.
There’s even a renowned book, “The Architecture of Happiness,” that explores how our surroundings impact our well-being.
Spoiler alert.
Our environments shape our emotions and actions more than we realize.
And aesthetics play a crucial role in creating those environments…
The Deep Connection Between Beauty and Emotion
“Aesthetics is not about being superficial. It’s about creating an environment that speaks to the deepest parts of us.”
Beauty isn’t just seen.
It’s felt.
It’s about creating spaces and objects that resonate with us emotionally.
You haven’t fully embraced aesthetics yet because you’re focusing solely on utility.
… Waiting for someone to validate the importance of beauty.
But beauty doesn’t need validation.
It simply is.
And its impact is profound.
A few months ago, I redesigned my workspace.
I added plants, chose calming colors, and arranged everything thoughtfully.
The difference it made was incredible.
I felt more productive, more inspired, more at peace.
So I ask you:
Why do you undervalue the power of beauty in your life?
Why do you ignore the emotional impact of your surroundings?
Why do you think aesthetics are just for show?
You know beauty affects you.
You know it enhances your experiences.
So why dismiss it?
Beauty is a signal.
It shows you what resonates deeply with you.
Many go through life, missing out on this signal.
They settle for functional but uninspiring surroundings.
Missing the deeper connection that aesthetics can provide.
To appreciate aesthetics, you need to be open.
But not to others.
To yourself.
Beauty in Design: More Than Just Looks
Steve Jobs understood this well.
His philosophy revolutionized how we interact with technology.
A few years ago, I read about his approach to design.
But it wasn’t until I experienced Apple products firsthand that it clicked for me.
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
Aesthetics in design are about more than appearance.
They enhance functionality by creating a seamless and enjoyable experience.
I don’t just enjoy the sleek look of my devices.
I enjoy how they make my life easier.
A big part of great design is found in the marriage of form and function.
The beauty you see enhances the utility you experience.
I don’t just appreciate aesthetics in theory.
I live it daily.
I find beauty in thoughtful design.
I find beauty in harmonious environments.
I find beauty in the subtle details that elevate my daily life.
I no longer overlook the importance of beauty.
I embrace it because it enriches my experiences.
Is this enrichment measurable?
No.
Is this value universally acknowledged?
No.
Is this appreciation a product of my taste?
Maybe.
But it’s the perspective that has transformed how I approach my work and life.
Beauty + Function = Powerful
Embrace the Power of Aesthetic Experimentation
To understand why aesthetics matter, you need to experiment.
When I first started exploring aesthetics, I was skeptical.
I began with small changes.
Redecorating my living space, redesigning my personal projects.
The results were surprising.
I didn’t just see a difference.
I felt it.
I didn’t lose practicality.
I gained a deeper connection to my surroundings.
The same applies to my work.
I focus on creating visually appealing presentations.
I realized it’s not just about conveying information.
It’s about engaging my audience emotionally.
Stop thinking aesthetics are secondary to function.
Remember, beauty enhances utility (and knowing this doesn’t ruin the magic).
The goal isn’t to make everything beautiful today.
It’s to start valuing aesthetics today.
Last week I asked you:
What elements make a painting timeless and universally appreciated across different cultures and eras?
A big question — and your answers were phenomenal:
… When it has deep emotions, beautiful colors, balanced composition, meaningful symbolism, and a unique style.
The harmony of colors
Symbols that everyone can relate to!
Question of the Week:
In what ways do aesthetics impact our daily experiences and quality of life?
I'd love to hear your thoughts! Email me your answers, and I'll share them in next week's newsletter. Looking forward to your insights!
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