by Patrick Sills

Created on: May 11, 2009   Last Updated: May 12, 2009

Each and every one of us will have a different perception of just what defines physical beauty in an individual. The objective of this debate is to determine whether true beauty lies on the outside or inside of a person. In an ideal world, a person's beauty or lack thereof should be demonstrated from within. However, we are a species of superficial beings, and as such, one's beauty will appear to us on an external level.

In regard to physical appearance, all human beings; both male and female, will fall into three basic categories, and they are as follows:

Physically unattractive; otherwise known as ugly or disfigured; such a person will be appointed with unpleasant facial characteristics, such as scars from a specific injury, moles, birthmarks, misaligned teeth, or an oddly-shaped skull and/or unusual bone structure. In addition, the person may be morbidly obese or so malnourished that they are skeletal in stature. A serious illness can be the cause for the latter. As for the former, overeating, glandular abnormalities, or hereditary factors are all culprits.

Average, ordinary, or plain-looking; these individuals are neither what one could describe as ugly or beautiful. Most of us will fall into this category.

And then we have those who are; well, physically beautiful; the ideal specimens of humanity. Ruggedly handsome men with next to no body fat and rippling biceps who are either young or could pass for being 20 years younger that their chronological age comes to mind on the male side of the equation. As for the female gender, we have the flawless, slender figures, shapely legs, firm breasts, and pretty facial features all wrapped into one neat package. The female model; if you will.

Of course, there are ugly, unattractive individuals who can be the nicest people you'll ever meet and gorgeous people who are self-centered, rude, and hostile. Obviously, this adds appeal to those lacking in the looks department and conversely detracts from those who with the physical beauty. However, these traits are separate entities. One's personality or ethics has nothing to do with outward appearances. Therefore, the ultimate goal that most of us will strive for when choosing a partner for dating or a lifetime of companionship will consist of a balance between these two conflicting qualities. In short, we will strive to keep this figurative teeter-totter level by seeking the best-looking person we can find with the most pleasant demeanor. In the opinion of this author, this is why we see so many pairings of individuals who fall into the same categories as their significant others. Unattractive people are drawn to others who are unattractive, average people find others who are likewise average, and the gorgeous hot-looking people pair with those of equally stunning physique.

As a final thought, consider this: If a person's beauty were not on the outside, we wouldn't see the best-looking actors on television shows in starring roles. This applies to the big screen as well. We wouldn't see the best-looking people modeling everything from clothes to camping gear. We wouldn't see 75-year-old celebrities such as Joan Rivers with faces pulled so far back from countless cosmetic procedures in vain efforts to hold onto their youth. Being old equates to losing beauty. In our society's shallow-minded mindset, this is just not cool. So is a person's beauty measured on the outside?

Absolutely.

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