I thought I would share the following pictures just for fun; both are so dramatic. It made me wonder why all cultures have gone to such lengths to beautify. There is so much craft in these two pictures and I don't consider either evil, but looking for a quote to shed light on the question, I was unable to find anything that did not either condemn or encourage, but nothing expressed my question or thoughts. The man is from Peru and I assume the girl is from the U.S. I decided to post some of the quotes I ran across: they differ greatly in opinion, and I endorse none. I did find them all interesting, maybe you will as well.

"Many a one, for the sake of finery on the back,
Has gone with a hungry belly, and half-starved their families.
“Silks and satins, scarlets and velvets, put out the kitchen fire.”
B. Franklin

"The tulip and the butterfly
Appear in gayer coats than I:
Let me be dressed fine as I will,
Flies, worms, and flowers exceed me still.”
Isaac Watts.


The adorning thee with so much art
Is but a barbarous skill;
‘Tis like the poisoning of a dart
Too apt before to kill.”
Abraham Cowley.

As for clothing…..perhaps we are led oftener by
The love of novelty and a regard for the opinions
Of men, in procuring it, than a true utility.” H.D. Thoreau


“With silken coats, and caps, and golden rings,
With ruffs, and cuffs, and fardingales, and things;
With scarfs, and fans, and double change of bravery,
With amber bracelets, beads, and all this knavery.”
Shakespeare.

“Never teach false morality. How exquisitely absurd to tell
girls that beauty is of no value, dress of no use! Beauty is of value;
her whole prospects and happiness in life may often depend upon
A new gown or a becoming bonnet, and if she has five grains of common
Sense, she will find this out.” Sydney Smith.

Oh man! it is good he lives in a different century!

"A gaudy dress and gentle air,
May slightly touch the heart,
But it’s innocence and modesty
That polishes the dart.”
Burns.

Top photo by James Pam, bottom photo by Sergio Passolano.