Why Do We Think Something Is Pretty?

Beauty is a ubiquitous and captivating facet of existence, igniting joy, inspiration, and even the desire to immortalize our everyday moments through selfies. This phenomenon is deeply rooted in our human souls, which, although complex, possess an inherent sense of what we find aesthetically pleasing. Just as God the Father is portrayed as appreciating beauty, we too are drawn to it, with our brains functioning like magpies, always drawn to shiny, pretty things. From sunsets and frosted cupcakes to human faces and more, beauty touches us all.

Beauty and Subjectivity

The criteria for what is considered beautiful are often subjective, varying greatly from one person to another. Just as in the realms of art and music, beauty is heavily influenced by what is fashionable at a specific time. However, beyond these subjective elements, beauty is an interplay between the perceiver and the perceived. A good indicator of beauty in humans and animals is how close they are to the average, a concept that has been of fascination from ancient times to the present day.

From Ancient Greece to Modern Science

As far back as ancient Greece, perfect proportions and symmetry were believed to be the key to feminine beauty. In those days, the ancient Greeks believed that the ideal face reflected these symmetrical proportions. This concept of symmetry in beauty has persistently held sway across generations. To better understand the significance of symmetry, we need to look into the work of Francis Galton, who pioneered the technique of composite photography to explore the face that is the most attractive. His composite photograph of dozen faces not only captured the essence of symmetry but also demonstrated the power of averages in beauty.

Modern Research and Symmetry in Beauty

Recent research has shown that symmetry is not only a hallmark of beauty but also a indicator of health and vitality. Studies on human attractiveness have found that symmetrical individuals are often perceived as more attractive. This is particularly true in the context of human face research, where symmetry is a key factor in beauty. Symmetrical features are not only preferred but are also associated with youth and vitality. While Galton's work on symmetry and beauty in the early 20th century did not gain widespread acceptance at the time, modern research continues to explore the significance of symmetry in beauty.

Symmetry Across Species and Evolution

Symmetry is not just a trait of human attractiveness; many species are also particularly sensitive to bilateral mirror symmetry along a vertical axis. This phenomenon is not limited to humans and animals, but extends to the evolutionary processes themselves. Symmetry, as a predictor of health and fitness, has a significant role in evolution. From RNA to phenotypes, symmetry emerges as a universal feature. The coding theorem from algorithmic information theory suggests that symmetric structures are more likely to arise due to their simpler and more efficient encoding. This algorithmic bias explains why symmetry is a universal feature in evolution, from molecular biology to macroscopic organisms.

Algorithmic Complexity and Symmetry

The prevalence of symmetry in biology can be attributed to the algorithmic complexity of genetic codes. Random mutations, when decoded by the developmental process, tend to produce phenotypes with lower algorithmic descriptions. This means that symmetric structures, requiring less information to encode, are more likely to be present in a population. The combination of algorithmic bias and the arrival-of-the-frequent mechanism explains why low-complexity, high-symmetry phenotypes are more prevalent than natural selection alone would predict. This phenomenon has been observed in protein complexes, RNA secondary structures, and gene regulatory networks, highlighting the universality of symmetry in biological evolution.

Physics and Symmetry

Even in the realm of physics, symmetry plays a crucial role. Physicists strive to encapsulate the fundamental elements of particle physics and search for supersymmetry models. Supersymmetry, a proposed theory in particle physics, suggests that every particle has a superpartner, which adds another layer of symmetry to our understanding of the universe. The pursuit of supersymmetry models is driven by the desire to find a unifying theory that explains all known forces and particles.

The Enduring Beauty of Symmetry

Ultimately, the universal appeal of symmetry is a testament to our innate appreciation for beauty. As Franz Kafka once said, “Anyone who maintains the ability to recognize beautiful things will never grow old.” This statement encapsulates the enduring nature of beauty, which transcends time and cultures. Symmetry, in all its forms, continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the profound interconnectedness of the natural world and our place within it.