It is sometimes thought that authentic, personal transformation can only happen from the inside, from a change of heart, so to say. Languages of conversion are based on this view of personal transformation. Conversion is often seen as a matter of the heart, of turning over possession of one's heart to something or someone else. Personal, external transformation is often seen as only superficial, as can be seen from the very name given such transformation - cosmetic. Rather than the deep transformation that is often thought to transpire in the inner recesses of the heart, external or cosmetic transformation is seen as not quite essential. It is often associated with the superficiality of Hollywood. But what if it is not correct that authentic transformation should come from the inside-out? What if it is the case that authentic transformation also begins from the outside-in?
The Cameroonian musician, Jean-Pierre Essome broaches the idea that transformation begins from the outside-in. For him, external appearance is critical for internal cohesion. It has long been noticed that good-looking people get their way in life more than people who are not good-looking. This shows that external appearance is valuable, at least, culturally. But what if such external appearance is valuable ethically? From ancient to modern times, many scholars have argued that what we are inside is often not very different from where we have been outside. In other words, morality is created by the environment. Change of heart is therefore something that does not just happen. It is created by an environment (the outside). This seems to demonstrate that what is important is not just a change of heart but also the environment in which one lives. There are environments that are not conducive to change of heart. Also, there are external states of affair that may create a darker interior. Jean-Pierre Essome is himself a very good dresser. He seems to think that being well dressed affects the way one feels inside. Perhaps looking good in public may create a person who is good inside and in private also. Perhaps wearing good clothes and living in a good house may improve what goes on inside. Perhaps major transformation does not need to only happen inside but also needs to happen outside.
The Cameroonian musician, Jean-Pierre Essome broaches the idea that transformation begins from the outside-in. For him, external appearance is critical for internal cohesion. It has long been noticed that good-looking people get their way in life more than people who are not good-looking. This shows that external appearance is valuable, at least, culturally. But what if such external appearance is valuable ethically? From ancient to modern times, many scholars have argued that what we are inside is often not very different from where we have been outside. In other words, morality is created by the environment. Change of heart is therefore something that does not just happen. It is created by an environment (the outside). This seems to demonstrate that what is important is not just a change of heart but also the environment in which one lives. There are environments that are not conducive to change of heart. Also, there are external states of affair that may create a darker interior. Jean-Pierre Essome is himself a very good dresser. He seems to think that being well dressed affects the way one feels inside. Perhaps looking good in public may create a person who is good inside and in private also. Perhaps wearing good clothes and living in a good house may improve what goes on inside. Perhaps major transformation does not need to only happen inside but also needs to happen outside.
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