A mind that envy could not but call fair

 I was completely captivated this phrase Sebastian used while describing his sister: "she bore a mind that envy could not but call fair" (2.3.28-29). We live in a world that tries to convince us that looks and appearances are everything; if you are beautiful, you can have it all, and if you are not then you do not have any worth. As I read this sentence, I was reminded of something that stuck out to me while reading Elder Holland's How Do I Love Thee speech given at a BYU devotional, which we were assigned to read for my Shakespeare class a few weeks ago. In it, Elder Holland presents the idea that because there are certain qualities we cannot control (ex, wealth or how we look), it is all the more impressive when we handle well those qualities that we do have control over (ex, kindness). I love this quote from Sebastian, because he is teaching us that beauty and outward appearances are only trifling and temporary. Rather, what matters most, and what we will be remembered by, is largely based on internal matters. Knowledge, and using it in a good way, is significantly more precious than having a pretty face. Being wise and smart, and using that intellect to serve and love, is what will truly make someone beautiful.

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