Beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder. That saying is one of the most true there is.

Mankind sees things in a different way. Some see things as beautiful, while others find them disgusting, or even terrifying. Some are haunted by an image while others want to capture the image forever. There are those who look to movies or art to find beauty that they “cannot” fond in life. When I heard about the Avatar movie causing people to be depressed because of the beauty this imaginary planet held I wondered why people missed the beauty of the world we have. I thought possibly because they cannot see the beauty that lay in front of them is what might have made it so easy over the years to pollute the way we have. No this is not about climate change or global warming, but the beauty people cannot see in the world we have.

Beauty that I certainly can see and I am sure others can as well. But some find disgusting and a list of other words used to describe things they do not like. In some cases people might just miss the beauty that lay at their feet.






















Of course some of the creatures could hurt us, is we bother them. But more so how often do people hurt them instead.

I could point to beauty that is all over the planet. Things most people would agree with such as waterfalls, rainbows, landscapes, or even cute cuddly animals. But often times we miss the true beauty that is in front of our eyes.

With all of the winter weather going on and things being “gloomy” and with wars and hardships across the world I only want to point to the beauty we have. Open your eyes if ever you think our planet is boring, dull or simple. You might be amazed with what you see.

Raist


[edit on 2/5/10 by Raist]

Hi and thanks! Although not a spider lover, I do respect them, and I was able to find much beauty in some of the photo's, as well as lots of humor.

Some of these little critters are just funny-cute.

But yes, we can find awe in the tinest creatures, and thank you for taking the time to express this sentiment.

Thanks for the replies.

I cannot say that I never kill certain things. I do spray my home every year for spiders because in this neck of the woods the Brown Recluse is very abundant.




And while I do find it to be a very beautiful spider I also have a son and wife that I need to keep safe as well. These spiders love to get into the basement, garage, and attic. And can cause some serious damage to a person.

Other than that any other spider or bug that makes its way into my home I take out side so that it can be free. I guess in a way that makes me hypocritical on that point but that spider does make me rather nervous when it comes to my son. Maybe after he gets older I will not bother so long as he understands how to protect himself. The Brown Recluse is actually a really cool spider, but for now I have to make sure it stays out of my home.

Raist

Here are a few beautiful things as well.
Some slime molds.


Some more creatures.





This bat has suction cups on its wings.

This one does not.




Sort of makes you wonder how much the media controls what people think is beautiful, whether it involve nature or people.

I guess I have always been odd because I liked the oddball animals and creepy crawlies that most everyone else hated. That did not go over well with my mother when I was a kid either. I brought home numerous types of creatures almost daily.

Raist

Thanks Raist, you made me remember a one weird thing that happened before to me..I had this somewhat big spider in my house and I didn't notice it until I actually put my coffee cup on its leg, I felt so bad that I got a glass bowl (a pretty big one) put some leaves and stuff in it for the spidey and he stayed with me for a day, (I caught some flies for him because I thought he couldn't move too good and like I said, I felt sorry) I named him Boris (Well, I do like The Who so please, bear with me) And I felt sad when I noticed next morning that he had left, but still, it was a great lesson for me.
Thanks for making me remember.

And yeah, if I had noticed him before accidentally almost squashing him, I would've just escorted him out of my house to my backyard, I dont want to hurt other living things, but I don't enjoy "bugs" in my house either for various reasons, so I try to get them back outside as nicely as I can

Time to add in some beautiful landscape shots. I again will point to the idea some have that our world is boring, lame, and nothing as beautiful or interesting as fantasy movies/art work.

I will say open your eyes because you are wrong to any who say that.

Super beautiful















Raist

Wow Raist, nice pictures. You're taking the kinds of shots I wanted to but never got the $ to put in to a good lense. So much beauty at the micro level, insects are total marvels of gods' engineering.
I agree that being able to find th e beauty in all nature is the key to happiness and social evolution, it's easier to generate respect and empathy for things we find beautiful.
S and F!

Oh my God !

This thread and the ATS members posting !
You make me feel like i'm going to cry from the absolute happines I feel reading this all.

I also try my best not to kill on perpose. ( little beings i mean )

Love, peace to you all

[edit on 7/2/10 by Sinter Klaas]

really cool I have never seen some of these creatures so its a treat. Though they are creepy. Would like to see more anyone got a link to some unusual?