You may not, cannot, appropriate beauty. It is the wealth of the eye, and a cat may gaze upon a king

You may not, cannot, appropriate beauty. It is the wealth of the eye, and a cat may gaze upon a king

Theodore Parker, a prominent American Transcendentalist and Unitarian minister, believed in the inherent beauty and worth of all individuals, regardless of their social status or outward appearance. In his famous quote, "You may not, cannot, appropriate beauty. It is the wealth of the eye, and a cat may gaze upon a king," Parker emphasizes the idea that beauty is not something that can be possessed or controlled, but rather something that exists independently and is accessible to all.

Parker's words serve as a reminder that true beauty is not limited to those who hold positions of power or privilege. It is not something that can be bought or acquired through material possessions. Instead, beauty is a quality that is inherent in all living beings, regardless of their station in life. Just as a cat can gaze upon a king and appreciate the beauty of his presence, so too can anyone appreciate and recognize the beauty in others.

For Parker, this concept of universal beauty was closely tied to his belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. He believed that all people, regardless of their background or circumstances, possessed a unique and valuable beauty that deserved to be recognized and celebrated. By acknowledging the beauty in others, we are able to see past superficial differences and connect on a deeper level with our fellow human beings.