"What is beautiful is good, and who is good will soon be beautiful"

The quote by Vita Sackville-West, "What is beautiful is excellent, and who is great will soon be beautiful," encapsulates a profound philosophy that intertwines the concepts of appeal and morality. At its core, this statement suggests a reciprocal relationship between outer charm and inner goodness, proposing that each can result in the other.

The first part of the quote, "What is stunning is good," hints at an olden association between physical beauty and ethical virtue. This concept has actually been echoed throughout different cultures and ages, recommending that beauty, whether in nature or art, often aligns with notions of harmony, balance, and reality-- all of which are considered 'great.' In human terms, it shows a common mental bias where people tend to associate positive qualities to those who are physically appealing. This phenomenon, known as the "halo effect," implies that charm can be seen as a marker of goodness, though this is a shallow and culturally affected analysis.

Conversely, the second part of the quote, "who is good will quickly be gorgeous," suggests a much deeper, more significant understanding of beauty. This perspective asserts that goodness, identified by qualities such as kindness, stability, and empathy, can manifest into a type of charm that transcends physical look. It recommends that an individual's moral qualities and favorable actions improve their total attractiveness-- a charm that originates from within. In time, as one's excellent nature becomes more obvious, it improves their appeal in the eyes of others, regardless of their physical features.

In general, Sackville-West's quote encapsulates an idealistic vision where beauty and goodness are intrinsically linked, suggesting a goal for a world where inner virtues are simply as valued and shown outwardly as visual qualities. This insight harmonizes with more comprehensive philosophical and ethical discussions about the nature of beauty and the much deeper attributes that constitute real worth and attractiveness.