Inside or out?
M:
We were asked this very interesting question: Who do you think has an edge— someone very beautiful and with average intelligence, or someone very intelligent but with average looks? My answer? It depends on what job or profession we are talking about! A person’s edge can come in many forms.
DJ:
The world is now more visual than ever. Content with illustration gets 94 percent more total views. Ninety percent of information sent to the brain is visual. We also retain 80 percent of what we see—pretty significant compared to 20 percent of what we read or 10 percent of what we hear. Sure, good looks open doors. Beautiful people are often treated nicely. They’re also perceived to be of good character. But don’t you think that incredibly intelligent people are attractive one way or another?
M:
We have to admit though that having a beautiful visage can initially garner more interest and attract the attention that can open doors and opportunities. But then again, it depends on what industry one belongs to. And now, employers are looking for more than IQ or EQ, It is really grit that can spell the difference between having the edge or falling off the ledge. A beautiful face cannot save a mediocre performance at work especially when competition is tough. Frank Sonnenberg, an award-winning author, wrote that to live a life of integrity, we should: Value integrity to mean that we should be prepared to compromise our viewpoint, but never our principles. Be true to yourself. Keep good company and surround yourself with honorable people. DJ:
That sounds more like a homily, Mic. Joke! Someone did say that while beauty is skin deep, ugly goes all the way to the bone. But seriously, brains are more sustainable compared to good looks. And I’m saying this not just to make myfar-from-handsome me feel better. Brains last a lifetime while beauty can start fading in 20 or so years. Intelligence also improves life. M:
Be confident. Don’t let your behavior be influenced by others who do not share your values. Do what’s right. Make good choices. Care not only about where life is taking you, but about how you’re getting there as well. Be honest and transparent. Honor your word. Be prepared to accept the consequences of your actions. Knowing what’s right isn’t as important as doing what’s right. Hard work and sacrifice build character, contribute to success and promote happiness. Find your life’s purpose. It will inspire you, keep you grounded, and provide stability regardless of the turbulence in your life. And you will find out that at the end, you will be more beautiful, inside and out.
DJ:
Agree. Besides, beauty can be internal or external, too. And intelligence is often seen as internal beauty. Thus, in the battle between brains and beauty, brain takes the gold.