As soon as beauty is sought not from religion and love, but for pleasure, it degrades the seeker

As soon as beauty is sought not from religion and love, but for pleasure, it degrades the seeker

Annie Dillard, a renowned American author and essayist, is known for her profound reflections on nature, spirituality, and the human experience. In her works, she often explores the interconnectedness of beauty, religion, and love, emphasizing the importance of seeking beauty for deeper, more meaningful reasons rather than mere pleasure.

Dillard's belief that seeking beauty solely for pleasure can degrade the seeker is evident in her book "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek." In this work, she immerses herself in the natural world, observing the intricate details of the landscape and reflecting on the beauty she finds there. Through her observations, Dillard emphasizes the importance of approaching beauty with reverence and awe, rather than seeking it for superficial gratification.

Dillard suggests that when beauty is sought for pleasure alone, it becomes a shallow and fleeting experience. The seeker becomes disconnected from the true essence of beauty, reducing it to a mere commodity to be consumed and discarded. In contrast, when beauty is sought from a place of religion and love, it becomes a transformative and enriching experience that deepens the seeker's connection to the world around them.

Dillard's perspective on beauty aligns with the teachings of many religious and spiritual traditions, which emphasize the importance of approaching beauty with humility, gratitude, and reverence. By seeking beauty from a place of love and devotion, the seeker is able to transcend their own ego and connect with something greater than themselves.