The Sense of Beauty by George Santayana

George Santayana's work on aesthetics is a captivating exploration of beauty from one of the most eloquent philosophic writers since Plato. Unlike many dry, metaphysical treatises, this unabridged reproduction of his 1896 lectures at Harvard College is as much a display of beautiful language as it is a philosophical inquiry into the concept of beauty.

Santayana delves into why and how beauty appears, examining the conditions an object must meet to be considered beautiful, and how human nature perceives it. He begins by defining beauty as an irrational pleasure, then discusses how love, social instincts, and the senses contribute to the experience of beauty. Through an analysis of form, expression, and the arts, Santayana weaves a compelling narrative that touches on literature, religion, humor, and the pursuit of perfection.

Drawing examples from various disciplines, Santayana's work is a fascinating, accessible presentation of the nature and expression of beauty that remains relevant to readers interested in philosophy, art, and human experience.