Beauty has long been a central concern of humanity. Yet, as Roger Scruton argues in his wonderful 2009 book simply titled
Beauty, our modern world has fled from beauty in favour of utility, functionality, and transient pleasure. This shift has profound consequences for culture, society, and our understanding of the world around us.
The Meaning of Beauty
Scruton insists that beauty is not merely subjective or a matter of personal preference. Instead, it is an essential human experience that evokes contemplation, admiration, and a sense of the transcendent. Beauty is something we long for because it connects us to higher values—truth, goodness, and love. Whether found in art, nature, or human relationships, beauty has the power to elevate and refine us.
Beauty, Art, and Eros
One of the most compelling ideas in Scruton's work is the link between beauty, art, and eros. For him, beauty is not only an aesthetic quality but also something deeply bound to human love and desire. Eros, in the classical sense, is not just about physical attraction but about a longing for the good, the true, and the meaningful. Great art captures this longing, portraying beauty in a way that deepens our appreciation for life itself.
However, in contemporary culture, beauty is often reduced to mere sensual appeal or dismissed as an outdated concern. Scruton argues that when we treat beauty as irrelevant or purely subjective, we lose the depth of our relationships—with art, with each other, and with the world around us. Without beauty, love becomes trivial, and art loses its purpose beyond entertainment or provocation.
Society’s Flight from Beauty
Scruton is deeply critical of the modern rejection of beauty. He observes that much of contemporary architecture, for example, prioritises function over form, resulting in soulless urban landscapes. Likewise, in art, the pursuit of shock value often replaces the pursuit of beauty. This reflects a broader cultural attitude: beauty is seen as unnecessary, even elitist, while ugliness and disruption are celebrated as signs of progress.
Yet, Scruton warns that this rejection of beauty has real consequences. Without a shared appreciation of beauty, society becomes fragmented. The aesthetic dimension of life—the sense of order, harmony, and meaning—is replaced by a culture of disposability and distraction. This is particularly evident in how we consume art and entertainment, where the emphasis is often on instant gratification rather than lasting significance.
The Cult of Utility
At the heart of society’s flight from beauty is what Scruton calls the “cult of utility.” In a world dominated by consumerism, efficiency, and pragmatism, beauty is often dismissed as superfluous. If something does not serve an immediate, functional purpose, it is deemed unnecessary. This mindset is evident in everything from the design of public spaces to the way we educate young people about art and culture.
Scruton challenges this view, arguing that beauty is not a luxury but a necessity. A life without beauty is a life impoverished, lacking the depth and fulfilment that aesthetic experience brings. He reminds us that true utility lies not just in what is practical but in what sustains the human spirit. A culture that values beauty enriches its people, fostering a sense of belonging, contemplation, and higher aspiration.
Reclaiming Beauty
So, how can we reclaim beauty in an age that has largely abandoned it? Scruton suggests that we must start by cultivating our own appreciation for beauty—in art, in music, in nature, and in the built environment. We must resist the reduction of aesthetics to mere consumer trends and rediscover the deeper significance of beauty in our daily lives.
More importantly, we must defend beauty as an essential part of human flourishing. Whether through supporting traditional architecture, engaging with classical art forms, or simply pausing to appreciate the natural world, we can reaffirm beauty’s place in culture. In doing so, we reject the cult of utility and embrace a richer, more meaningful way of living.
Conclusion
Scruton’s insights remind us that beauty is more than decoration; it is a vital aspect of what makes life worth living. In a world increasingly dominated by pragmatism and superficiality, we must resist the temptation to view beauty as an outdated concern. Instead, we should strive to reintroduce beauty into our lives and our culture, recognising its profound role in shaping our sense of self, our relationships, and our place in the world.
By championing beauty, we do more than preserve artistic traditions—we affirm our shared humanity.
Written by
Max Tittmann · Account Director
Max Tittmann is the Account Director of Arcadia Digital. He works closely with the agency’s clients to make sure every project serves their mission and delivers results.
