Full Idea
Everything beautiful is a self-illuminated, perfect individual.
Gist of Idea
Only self-illuminated perfect individuals are beautiful
Source
Novalis (Miscellaneous Observations [1798], 101)
Book Reference
Novalis: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Stoljar,M.M. [SUNY 1997], p.41
A Reaction
It is a commonplace to describe something beautiful as being 'perfect'. Unfinished masterpieces are interesting exceptions. Are only 'individuals' beautiful? Is unity a necessary condition of beauty? Bad art fails to be self-illuminated.