wunder · Library

SECTION VIII.. The Recapitulation.

The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 01 (of 12) · Edmund Burke — chapter 54 of 105 · ~137 words · public domain

Read in the Wunder reader — free

THE RECAPITULATION.

On the whole; if such parts in human bodies as are found proportioned, were likewise constantly found beautiful, as they certainly are not; or if they were so situated, as that a pleasure might flow from the comparison, which they seldom are; or if any assignable proportions were found, either in plants or animals, which were always attended with beauty, which never was the case; or if, where parts were well adapted to their purposes, they were constantly beautiful, and when no use appeared, there was no beauty, which is contrary to all experience; we might conclude that beauty consisted in proportion or utility. But since, in all respects, the case is quite otherwise; we may be satisfied that beauty does not depend on these, let it owe its origin to what else it will.

← Previous chapterAll chaptersNext chapter →

The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 01 (of 12) · The Wunder Library — complete classics, free to read, with narration.

© 2026 Wunder Learning LLC · Terms & Privacy