“The contemplation of beauty causes the soul to grow wings.”
The Philosophy of the Beautiful Soul
An Ancient Tradition for Composing a Beautiful Life
The Beautiful Soul is an 18th and 19th century philosophy on the art of self-cultivation. This philosophy was developed by the poets Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller, who were inspired by Platonic ideals. The theorists of the Beautiful Soul argued that we must improve our mind and our character through the appreciation and creation of beauty. This philosophy offers an optimistic vision for reaching one’s full potential, discovering happiness and meaning in life, and positively shaping society.
Salon Culture
A Vibrant Conversation Space for Social and Intellectual Exchange
Salon culture began in 16th century Italy and blossomed in 18th century France. Salons are social occasions for the art of conversation. In a salon people come together to discuss ideas in a spirit of friendship and goodwill. Salons were organised by pioneering women who opened their homes to others and facilitated discussion. They advanced principles of equality, tolerance, fellowship, and freedom of expression. Salon culture contributed to the development of a public sphere in Europe and was the catalyst for important intellectual and artistic movements.
The Connection
Beautiful Souls are Cultivated within Salons
Inspired by the idealism of the Beautiful Soul, celebrated German-Jewish salonnières in the 18th and 19th centuries practiced this philosophy within their salons. They created a community for people to improve themselves through beauty in art, music, and conversation.
On Platonic Beauty
Beauty, according to the ancient Greek philosophers, is a universal value indivisibly connected to goodness and truth. In the modern world, this Platonic definition of beauty has been forgotten. Beauty is now reduced to physical appearances, reflecting a superficial value system. Restoring the classical definition of beauty, and the ideals it represents, will improve society.
Beauty is important to this tradition because it brings us happiness and meaning and connects us to other people. When we view a beautiful landscape, we feel profound serenity and contentment. In a world of suffering, the beauty of music provides us with hope and a reason to endure our daily struggles. Through the beauty of literature or film, we place ourselves in the position of others, as if it were our own. By rendering ourselves receptive to beauty, we develop empathy and expand our worldview. Cultivating our ability to perceive and to create beauty advances human flourishing and social harmony. Read more about our philosophy on beauty.
“The ideals which have always shone before me and filled me
with the joy of living are goodness, beauty, and truth.”
Our Background
Founder Justine Kolata is a Yale University (B.A) and University of Cambridge (Ph.D.) educated writer. Her first book In Pursuit of the Beautiful Soul is about the philosophy of the Beautiful Soul and salon culture. Her upcoming book Beauty Will Save the World will be published shorty. Drawing upon her scholarly research and experience organising salons since 2013, she founded The Beautiful Soul to revive the practice of this philosophy.
