2014 – Most Philosophical 4th Grader in America

Maggie Mecham, Arizona.

A Picturesque Society

Beauty and truth can only exist together, and together they can greatly impact society for good. The eminent poet John Keats said, “Beauty is truth, truth beauty. That’s all ye need to know on earth and all ye need to know.” Beauty on the outside, which might be appealing, does not overpower what significantly lies on the inside. An attractive society cannot be judged by appearance, only by its overwhelming virtue.

Beauty without truth only ornately decorates a community. When character is negative and lacking quality, a community’s atmosphere and how the populations functions is poorly effected. A character of kindness and truth creates a positive effect on the community. Beauty cannot live in a cruel society, only in a kind society where truth exists.

How can you tell a community is beautiful? Outward beauty can mistakenly make a society look pleasant, when in reality it may lack the virtue needed to be truly lovely. Beauty is found within and is noticed by positive actions. When a society is flooded with inward splendor their community flourishes. A delightful community is based on beautiful actions not beautiful things.

Truth is the highest form of beauty. Within truths lie behavior, appearance, personality and actions. A beautiful community may falsely pull you in with its’ looks but a deeper glanced could reveal that it is being suffocated with lies. A beautiful society powerfully based on the principle of truth will surrender to peace.

I believe the poet John Keats was exact when he said, “Beauty is truth.” In my search for beauty I have found that there is nothing more exquisite than the truth. Within my home I am a member of a little community. Just like in other communities when truth exists there is peace and beauty. When truth is continually denied in my household, contention and anger result. Only together can truth and beauty equal a picturesque society.

 

 

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