And then there's the issue of who determines what is beautiful. I think in the 21st century I think we're very comfortable with the idea that beauty is something that's determined by one's experience that is deeply personal, but that was not always the case.

exactly. i find insects and invertebrates beautiful in how alien their experience is from ours, but other people find beauty in the familiar. it's all about perception

What's up with a cockroach? It's form, perfectly right for it's function, is beautiful and intriguing; it's colour, shiny deep brown and metallic is beautiful; it's movement, busy, searching is beautiful, makes me want to follow it. It's only a cultural conditioning, obsession with an mindless idea of cleanliness ( 'cos actually they clear up lots... See more