“Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul.”
Alexander Pope
I really like this quote.It was so random when I found it while searching for something else. I don’t remember if I have heard or studied Alexandre Pope before, but I think I will have a look at some of his work soon.
How many times have you met a charming person with dazzling looks that would strike the light and blast your mind at first sight? These things happen at least once or twice in your life, right? But then, things turn out to be just like the old saying: Appearances are deceiving. Or, may I suggest a slight alteration and make it: appearances can be just soulless charms. When your charm is souless, it’s vague, and though it might be expensive and powerful, it is also short-lived just like a tempst in a teapot.
Haven’t things nowadays come to depend first and most on appearances, which are laden with money and power? In most cases, they are soulless charms because they have nothing to do with the soul. They mainly have to do with attention, attraction, and surfaces. Does this make sense? Let me explain more.
The soul is neither an ownership nor a commodity. It’s a divine entity. Whatever is divine is pure, and whatever is pure will touch the pure whining you: your soul.
Is things getting clearer now? I hope so.
That’s why it’s merit, not charisma that wins the soul. Perhaps that’s why some people say what is good, genuine, and honest always makes lasting impressions and wins true respect.
With all the best wishes,
Nahla
Pure and Simple 