22

Adornment

‘If you get simple beauty and naught else,

You get about the best thing God invents.’

Robert Browning

You can influence the situation only in small ways. Use tact and charm. Present yourself in the best possible light. Make the most of your assets and your abilities. You may want to make minor changes in your environment so that it more accurately reflects your personality and your tastes. But keep your priorities straight. Do not be conceited or self-indulgent. If you do not value yourself as you are, no amount of material possessions or designer clothes will help to give you a sense of worth. Remember that true beauty, like true happiness, comes from within. An attractive appearance is of little value if it merely disguises a selfish nature. The most elegant surroundings in the world will not bring joy if their owners live in an atmosphere of ill-will.

An opportunity for personal growth

Each of us projects an image of how we would like to be seen by others. The psychologist Carl Jung called this the persona. A charming and attractive persona is unquestionably a great asset. But it is only one aspect of you, not the whole picture. If you are so involved with your image that you neglect your self-development, your life will become meaningless and superficial.

The consequences of putting too much value on appearances are the subject of the novel by Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Here the main character manages to preserve his youthful beauty for many years. But he fails to develop any strength of character in the meantime. When his outer mask finally drops away, no trace of physical beauty remains in this once-exquisite face, now ravaged by time and self-indulgence.

Further aspects of the situation

NINE AT THE BEGINNING

Use your own resources to help you make progress. Be prepared to make an effort to do whatever is necessary. Do not try to take short cuts.

SIX IN THE SECOND PLACE

Do not judge by appearances. Unless a decorative appearance is an outward sign of inner beauty, it is merely shallow and superficial. What matters now is not the outward form but the underlying worth.

NINE IN THE THIRD PLACE

When everything is going relatively well, take care not to become lazy or neglect your responsibilities. Do not lose sight of your goals.

SIX IN THE FOURTH PLACE

Honesty and simplicity are what matter most now. Deep and true friendship with someone loyal and trustworthy is far more important than chasing after the glittering prizes of life.

SIX IN THE FIFTH PLACE

All that matters is to be sincere. Your material resources may not be extensive but it is who you are that counts. Others will recognize your true worth.

NINE AT THE TOP

Be simple and straightforward in all you say and do. You have no need to hide, pretend or put on a show. Just be true to yourself, let your value speak for itself and everything will happen in exactly the right way.