Beauty versus Brain

All in the name of beauty. But, what is beauty? What defines it? Is there a universal beauty? Can it be obtained? Beauty is famously in the eye of the beholder; but it’s also in the beholder’s brain, and may work differently in the brains of men and women. Who gets the most out of life: fame, fortune, and genuine relationships: those who are physically attractive or those who are less attractive but wise? Dr. Nancy Etcoff, a brain researcher and cognitive psychologist says, "Beauty is an asset in the struggle for survival and good looks are a great advantage in many areas of life."

According to BBC, our perception of beauty begins in the womb. Studies show that babies have a tendency to look the longest at faces with smooth skin, round eyes, plump lips, and symmetry. In fact, BBC reports that our DNA is written to produce symmetry, yet factors such as environment produces asymmetry. Universally, these characteristics represent youth and fertility. Our faces are "advertising hoarding which provides a potential mate with information about health, fertility and appropriateness as a partner". Men look for young and healthy faces, translating to mates that are youthful with big eyes and plump lips. Whereas, females look for mates with the most testosterone, indicating fertility and strength. Bony protrusions such as the nose, cheek bones, brows and jaw indicate a potential for healthier children.

Ironically, for a man, the more physically unconventional looking you are, the sexier your brain is perceived to be, which is great for men but not for women. It allows men to get fat, bald head as long as they pop enough ginkgo biloba not to get dementia. Women however, have to spend time plucking, picking and moisturising, otherwise she's off to the junkyard which is blow to gender equality.

So, then where does that leave us? Well, I am not really too sure, but those of you who are in search of this universal beauty, I would like to end with a reminder that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that the ones we love and admire become more beautiful with time.