The hive mind of society

[Avertion]

Five hundred years ago, the beauty standard was entirely different. Being fat was seen as attractive because it symbolized wealth and prosperity in a world where food scarcity was common. On top of that, historical studies suggest that most people back then had more recessed features, yet it wasn’t seen as a flaw—it was simply the norm.

Fast forward to today, and the standard has completely flipped. If you’re fat or have recessed features, society deems it unattractive. You can rationalize why certain bone structures are perceived as “better,” but there’s no real, objective explanation.

The truth is, it’s all fabricated. There’s no scientific basis for why prominent features are inherently “more attractive” than recessed ones. We’re not biologically programmed to prefer certain traits. Instead, we’re subconsciously conditioned by societal trends. People don’t form opinions independently—they adopt the preferences of the majority. In the end, attraction is less about instinct and more about conformity.

 

[TheVoidInside]

not true at all. i had a vague sense of what women i liked way before i ever met them. its entirely biological

 

[Avertion]

not true at all. i had a vague sense of what women i liked way before i ever met them. its entirely biological

But that’s just one personal experience, an exception.

 

[disillusioned]

Five hundred years ago, the beauty standard was entirely different.

This is a myth. Ancient Roman and Greek statues have the usual ripped/slim forms.

 

[Avertion]

This is a myth. Ancient Roman and Greek statues have the usual ripped/slim forms.

but that’s just how it’s been portrayed in every book i’ve read about the middle ages, i doubt it’s a myth.

 

[disillusioned]

but that’s just how it’s been portrayed in every book i’ve read about the middle ages, i doubt it’s a myth.

I'm sure the puritanical middle ages are a good reference for how human sexuality really works

 

[New Poster]

It’s a little of both. It’s mainly biological, but there’s some historical/societal wiggle room.

 

[Deleted member 90909]

Being fat was seen as attractive because it symbolized wealth and prosperity in a world where food scarcity was common

Don't really think this had to do with "beauty" standards. It was just a way of signaling one's status. Take a look at art and the history of aesthetics if you want to see how beauty standards have actually evolved.

 

[Avertion]

I'm sure the puritanical middle ages are a good reference for how human sexuality really works

Ok, doesn’t have to be the middle ages.