Taking care of the body
Your body is more than a mere shell; it is an integral part of who you are. Taking good care of it can unlock your potential for excellence. Your physical appearance plays a vital role in how others perceive you on a daily basis. It's important to recognize that different cultures hold varying perspectives on this matter.
Ugly monkeys
While I may not always prioritize wearing the most interesting clothes, I recognize the importance of taking better care of appearance. In the Dutch language, we have a saying, "Al draagt een aap een gouden ring, het is en blijft een lelijk ding." which translates to "Even if a monkey wears a golden ring, it remains an unattractive thing."
While character certainly plays an important role, this saying may underestimate the importance of beauty. Appearance matters more than many people think. Investing in interpersonal skills and improving how we interact with others is just as important. Soft skills can be challenging to learn, but having actual skills isn't always enough.
Physical health and intelligence
There is a belief that physical health and intellectual capacity are correlated. Many famous intellectuals have engaged in activities such as going on walks or pursuing other physical endeavors. I do not consider this to be a mere coincidence. It is up to you to form your own perspective on this matter.
We don't know ourselves, we knowledgeable people. We are personally ignorant about ourselves.
– Friedrich Nietzsche, On the Genealogy of Morals
This quote by Friedrich Nietzsche resonates deeply with me. Despite considering ourselves "knowledgeable", our understanding of ourselves can be lacking. Natural desires, emotions, and the influence of our physical bodies all play a role in shaping our minds and actions.
There is so much we don't know compared to what there is to know. Truths tend to be illusions, but sometimes illusions hold more value anyway. Often it is better to not know certain "truths". Life is filled with suffering. It is a journey where we can find meaning and chase our goals. Life can offer a fantastic experience if you choose to make the most of it.
Ranking up
It is possible to slightly climb up the hierarchy of beauty. But only to a certain level depending on what you already possess. As mentioned earlier, I would recommend engaging in physical activities. Additionally, what you eat may affect more than just your body. A lot of health information is debatable. Seek what works for you.
I never have been a fan of tattoos or plastic surgery. Plastic surgery can hide parts of face expressions. Experts claim that this is not good for social interactions. Tattoos can be a way to show something off, which you lack confidence in. This can show that you are insecure. Many cultures see tattoos as something negative due to historical reasons. It is commonly associated with crime. Both can be beneficial for some people, but the natural approach is the way to go. People often notice if something is authentic. Tattoos and other modifications can look good on some people for sure, but I wouldn't recommend it.