Throughout human history beauty has been seen as a gift from God, but Mom had another notion; she thought that beauty could be earned through self-knowledge. It may be a revolutionary idea, but it has offered me great comfort.
The concept of beauty has often been perceived as a divine blessing throughout human history. However, the author's mother held a different belief, positing that beauty could be cultivated through self-awareness and understanding. This perspective is presented as a more empowering approach to personal worth and aesthetics.
This view has proven to be quite comforting for the author, Ruth Reichl, suggesting that inner growth and self-discovery can lead to true beauty. By embracing this revolutionary idea, one can redefine beauty as a quality that can be developed rather than merely a gift one receives.