37.Beauty, Beautiful things
Q1- What beautiful scenic spots are there in your country?
ANS- There are quite a few beautiful scenic spots in my country. We have mountains and hill ranges with amazing views, especially from the top. In winters they look peaceful and almost magical when they're covered in snow. And in spring, wildflowers cover the slopes, and it feels so full of life and color. Its not something you see every day. There are also lots of lakes and rivers . What makes them so beautiful is the way they reflect everything around them the sky, the trees, even the light. On a calm day, the surface looks like glass, and it feels like the whole scene is doubled. Sunsets and sunrises by the sea are especially beautiful. The sky slowly changes color, the light hits the water just right, and everything seems to glow. It's the kind of view that makes you want to stop and just take it all in.
Q2- Why do many people go to scenic spots in person instead of just reading about them in books?
ANS- I think people go to scenic spots in person because reading about them in a book just isn't the same. You can read about the mountains or the sea, and maybe see a few pictures, but it's nothing like actually being there. When you go in person you get the full experience the sounds, the smells, the light, the wind all of that creates a feeling that books just can't give you. Also, being surrounded by nature helps people relax and take a break from their everybody stress. So, I think for most people, reading is nice, but it's the real life experience that sticks in your memory.
Q3- Do people in your country prefer listening to music to appreciating paintings and literature?
ANS- I think some people just naturally connect more with books and art. For them, its not just about entertainment. Its something deeper. Like, reading a novel or looking at a painting can make them feel or think in a way that music or movies don't . It sparks their imagination or makes them reflect on something personal. Also, I think for some people its tied to their background. They show you how people used to live, what they believed in, and what was important to them. And for some, that's really meaningful.
Q4- Where do you think people usually come into contact with beautiful things?
ANS- I think people come into contact with beautiful things in all kinds of places. Nature is an obvious one in parks, forests, mountains or by the sea. Things like autumn leaves, wildflowers, smooth stones near river or the way sunlight comes through the trees all of that can be really beautiful. Also, people can see beauty in cities. It could be the design of an old building , a modern skyscraper, a fountain, or even street art. Sometimes everyday surroundings can be surprisingly nice to look at. They often have stained glass, candle light, and a quiet, balanced design that makes you stop and really take it all in.
Q5- Are there more beautiful things now than in the past?
ANS- Its really hard to say whether there are more beautiful things now than in the past as beauty is a matter of personal preference. What one person finds beautiful may not be the same as what another person finds beautiful things now because of technological advancements and the ability to create and appreciate art in different ways . Others may argue that the beauty of the past cannot be matched because it was more authentic. Plus, the concept of beauty has changed over time. In ancient civilizations, symmetry and proportion were often seen as key indicators of beauty. The Greeks, for example, prized the perfect proportions of the human body and used them as the basis for their art and architecture. But now we celebrate all different types of beauty and creativity. Just look at how many different art movements and styles we have now compared to the past.
Q6- Why do people create beautiful things?
ANS- I guess, first of all, because beauty moves them as well as brings them to the fullness of joy and optimism. The aesthetic experience is always great as it provides an escape from everyday practical experiences, which simply cannot but contribute to mood improvement. Another reason I can think of is that the act of creating something of beauty is a way of bringing good into the world, even if it's just protecting someone from depression. And one more reason is that it's a perfect way to become immortal as beautiful things endure and in many cases outlive their creators.
Q7- What do you think the word beauty means?
ANS- Well, to my mind, there is no one-fits-all answer to this question as each person interprets beauty in their own fashion. For me, beauty is something that is pleasant to look at, some kind of combination of different qualities such as shape, colour or form that pleases my aesthetic senses.