Listen Now
About This Episode
What do you think about when you hear the word aesthetics? Do you want to check out or are you intrigued? In this episode, Nathan breaks down how focusing on aesthetics can enrich every aspect of life—from your heart and mind, physical appearance, home, community, and workplace. Listen in for practical ways to become a more capable and multi-dimensional person by embracing and cultivating beauty in your day-to-day life.
This wraps up the series on the four languages of agency. Aesthetics is defined as "qualities and ideas in a work of art or literature that relate to beauty in the nature of art." Nathan encourages listeners not to check out at the mention of "art," "literature," or "beauty"—these concepts are crucial for freedom and agency.
Why Aesthetics is Crucial to Agency
Charlotte Mason: "We all have a need to be trained, to see, to have our eyes opened before we can take in the joy that is meant for us in this beautiful life."
Psalm 19:1-2: "The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky proclaim his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech and night to night reveals knowledge." There is knowledge proclaimed in the created world, but we must train ourselves to see it despite our instant gratification, cheap-and-quick culture.
Engaging with Beauty Via Solitude
Nathan implemented solitude practice during 75 Hard (a 75-day mental toughness program requiring two 45-minute workouts daily, one outside, plus other disciplines). He'd leave his phone in the mailbox and walk/run in the woods for 45 minutes daily. This practice clarified his thinking and led to business breakthroughs and creative solutions.
The smartphone creates an "insidious" attachment—putting it down feels "naked." But removing the noise while in God's beautiful creation enabled organized thoughts and reception of knowledge "poured out" as described in Psalm 19.
Aesthetics and Physical Appearance
Taking care of yourself through exercise and proper grooming changes your appearance—people noticed Nathan and his wife's "glowing" skin during 75 Hard. Dressing well isn't vanity; it's respect for others, like cleaning your house before guests arrive.
Statistics show personal appearance dramatically affects professional success: 93% of executives say employee clothing style influences promotion chances, 95% of employers consider personal appearance in hiring decisions, and 75% of hiring managers say wrong clothing is millennials' top interview mistake.
Aesthetics and Cultivating a Hospitable Home
Like detecting counterfeit art, people can sense authenticity in homes. There's a "meta-narrative" to every home—the energy and atmosphere people feel upon entering. Being a person of character who obeys God's law enables creating a beautiful, authentic space.
Good food and hospitality matter. Nathan's wife spends time sourcing quality ingredients, preparing great meals, using good wine and quality cuts of meat. This creates an authentic narrative versus the "counterfeit feel" of furniture showrooms.
Their Airbnb properties reflect this philosophy—funky art pieces, thoughtfully selected books, quality furnishings that create an extension of their household. Result: 4.97 star reviews and consistent guest amazement, translating directly into more income.
Generating Beauty in the Workplace
Nathan initially struggled with construction work until he reframed remodeling as creating art—beautiful rooms for families to practice hospitality. This mindset shift made him commit to construction for life. Even mundane jobs can be reframed as funding creative pursuits in other areas of life.
Practical Ways to Implement Aesthetics
Input beauty: Practice solitude in nature, turn off stressful news/podcasts and listen to classical music (Yo-Yo Ma's Bach cello suites), immerse in redemptive stories (Les Misérables), read stimulating books (Austin Kleon's creativity series).
Output creativity: Raise children as "immortal souls," allow their creative messes, learn new skills like instruments or painting despite initial failure. G.K. Chesterton: "If a thing is worth doing, it's worth doing badly"—take creative risks even when starting poorly.
The investment in aesthetics pays dividends: better relationships, increased income, promotions, and most importantly, a richer life aligned with God's design for beauty.