“The human soul needs beauty more than bread”

Quote written by D.H. Lawrence
Essay written by Matthew Shoesmith

As humans we are diverse in our belief systems, how we live our life and also the way we treat each other. The human soul is a reflection of who we are as a person, it is neither physical nor can we see it, but it is the most important aspect and defines us. Lawrence is exclaiming in his quote that even though food is required to function for our survival, who we are and how we treat others and see the world is very important. We thrive on feelings and mixed emotions that shape us into the beings we are today.

It is important to analyse how we define beauty. A personal reflection would see beauty as the forever-ending aim to deter imperfection and maintain physical integrity. Beauty in our modern world is commonly referred to as how one appears in a physical sense. Beauty, both physical and spiritual is important; on one hand when we feel beautiful we project feelings of self-confidence, happiness and content. When we are considered beautiful spiritually, the way we act and treat others in the appropriate matter is a main contributor. Being selfless and helping those in poor situations without the need for personal gain makes us beautiful people. Between the two, inner beauty prevails and has a greater and more positive impact on ones own feeling and the feelings of others that they impact upon.

The media has grossly created an imbalance in how we should reflect on oneself in relation to our superficial representation. Many males and females have been subject to poor self-esteem, depression and unhappiness due to how they are expected to present and look, which inevitably impacts on how they project themselves and who they are as a person. Later in life many children who were subject to bullying due to appearance will later treat others with the same patterns of abuse, clearly affecting who they are and the beauty of their soul.

The soul is shaped from a young age when we are most susceptible for manipulation. Our parents and life experiences give us an understanding of how things are done and how we should act and treat others. In many cases, poor parenting and neglect will be a factor and give children the idea that this is how things are. Children in this environment will continue on, unhappy, leading to poor choices, poor reflections of who they are and create damage to their once perfect soul. It is important to understand that the soul is moulded, as adults we give light to how younger ones should act and therefore we are responsible for the consequences of creating a less optimal environment for them to blossom.

The soul is an easily manipulated entity that needs to be promoted to reflect beauty. This can be achieved through concentrating on the important aspects of life and how we as people can love and help others by forming bonds of supportive friendships with the important aspect being that others are happy and safe. The soul is easily corrupted and we must be careful not to influence others down the path of evil that will represent a soul with an ugly appearance.

By Matthew Shoesmith