Love for and appreciation of that which is beautiful may be cultivated.  It is a part of one’s education.  The schools now give more attention to it than formerly; but many of them do not yet give enough.  Appreciation of beauty is cultivated not merely by instruction in “art,” but also by those studies that increase one’s knowledge of the common things about us.  The teaching of agriculture and of science has a very practical purpose; but its purpose is only partly accomplished if it teaches us how to raise corn or cotton without opening our eyes to the wonders of nature involved in the process.

An appreciation of beauty may be cultivated, also, by association with it, as it may be destroyed by constant association with that which is ugly.  People who live in unkempt and slovenly surroundings are likely to become indifferent to them.  It is the duty of every one to have a care for the appearance of his surroundings both because of its effect upon himself and its influence upon others.

IMPORTANCE OF APPEARANCES

A stranger who visits our school is likely to judge it, first of all, by its appearance.  He will note whether or not the building is in good repair, the condition of the grounds and fences, the presence or absence of flower beds, shrubs, and trees.  Inside, he will observe the cleanliness and orderliness of the room, the decorations on the walls, the presence or absence of pictures and flowers and plants; yes, and also the care the pupils and teacher take of their personal appearance.  These things are signs to the visitor of the interest taken by pupils, school authorities, and the community in their school.  They are also signs of the character of the work done in the school, and of the happiness of the pupils.

A COMMUNITY JUDGED BY APPEARANCES

In a similar manner, the visitor to your community will form his first opinion of it by its appearance.  He will note, first of all the appearance of the homes, and then, probably, the cleanliness and state of repair of the streets or roads.  He will observe the condition of the fences, and whether or not the weeds are cut along the roads.  He will notice, also, the extent to which the people love flowers, and care for trees and vacant lots.  All of these things will be signs to him of the prosperity, the happiness, the “community spirit,” of the citizens.  They will doubtless enter into his decision as to whether or not he cares to live, or establish a business, or educate his children, in that community.

COMMUNITY INTEREST IN BEAUTY