How do we define being beautiful in the first place?
It is no doubt that media had played a major role unto defining what is beautiful and what is not. Nonetheless, study found that there is NO particular definition of beauty for it varies from one person to another.
Social science believes that our standard of beauty is culturally determined. Meaning to say, different people with different life experiences in different cultures acquire different standards of beauty.
The famous saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” does seem to reflect our perception of what being beautiful is. In fact, it is claimed that one could be beautiful in one country and not even slightest bit of attractive in other.
Why is it important to be beautiful?
It is quite harsh to tell that one must be beautiful but that’s how it is.
Most often, we hear the words “Do not judge a book by its cover.” However, science seemingly says otherwise. Whilst conscious mind will tell it isn’t right to criticize a specific individual based on his appearance, subconscious mind will contradict and force to formulate judgment from the looks during encounters.
Mostly, people desire to look pleasant and presentable in able to receive compliments and affirmations from the crowd. Being beautiful has said to boost self – confidence and source of pride.
But apart from sense of confidence and pride, the word “beautiful” holds more meaning to it than what we think.
Below are scientifically – based details which unearth advantages and perks of being beautiful.
Beauty and Intelligence
“People will listen more closely and with more attention, probably because attractive people are perceived to be more intelligent.”
University of New Mexico researchers found that general intelligence is positively linked to body symmetry, a characteristic that is indicative of attractive qualities like health, social dominance, and fitness-related biological traits.
The conclusion that beautiful people are more intelligent follows from four assumptions:
(1) Men who are more intelligent are more likely to attain higher status than men who are less intelligent.
(2) Higher-status men are more likely to mate with more beautiful women than lower-status men.
(3) Intelligence is heritable.
(4) Beauty is heritable.
Beauty and Career
Studies have shown that “attractive people are usually hired sooner, get promotions quickly, and are paid more than less attractive people.”
As cited from Forbes, Aaron Gouveia has listed ways to which looks affect pay:
• Tall people get paid more money.
• Fat people get paid less.
• Blondes get paid more
• Workers who work out get paid more.
• Women who wear makeup make more
• Handsome people are paid handsomely.
Beauty and Persuasion
The inherent power of persuasion seemingly serves a leader well. According to Kohut, there are core things that affect our perfection of an executive: their position, performance, and presence. “Most people who have reached the level of CEO because they have mastered the art of presenting themselves,” added him.
As per Business Insider, “attractive people are more likely to become leaders.” This is for the reason that they are the more persuasive ones.
In this regard and in connection to that of career, science has also discovered that “attractive individuals are more likely to succeed.”
Beauty and Friendship
As articulated from Daily Mail, “beautiful people tend to seek out equally beautiful people in social situations.”
Researchers from university of Otago in New Zealand, Oxford University and others carried out a giant experiment using hidden cameras. They have gathered 172 people who did not know each other and asked them to form groups.
They found that on average, participants were able to form group of six individuals and that they were more likely to approach others of similar attractiveness.
Another series of studies discovered that “being good – looking may make a person a more desirable partner, at least at the outset of the relationship.”
Beauty and Happiness
Economist at the University of Texas – Austin, led by Harmamesh has arrived to a conclusion that beautiful people are more likely to become happy. The reasons for such are connected to that of aforementioned details.
Since attractive people are found to be more intelligent and are prospected to succeed in their careers, they end up being happy and satisfied with their lives.
There sure are portions to which one can point out bias and discrimination. However, these can be used positively. Getting exposed with all these information, it now becomes clearer why it is significant to be beautiful or to look good at least. Knowing that we are judged based on our looks, we learn how to keep ourselves as presentable as possible.
Author Bio
Patrick works as a contributor at https://essaytwist.com/. He is a former editor of a small town newspaper publishing. He is an avid fan of social media, and runs his own page for writing enthusiasts for his college. With the rising clamor for healthy living, Patrick immersed himself with water sports.