Bodybuilding Magazine Covers of the Past

Bodybuilding magazine covers on a website dedicated to the Humanities? Yeah, we thought the same thing. Then the idea trying to be expressed became clear. Since the dawn of early art the human body has been used as the basis for human conceptions of aesthetics. From Michelangelo’s statue of David, Callipygian Venus(literally meaning “Venus (or Aphrodite) of the beautiful buttocks), to other great works of visual arts, literature, culture, and philosophy. It’s here-at this strangely fascinating intersection of art, athleticism, culture and beauty that bodybuilding brings to life the popular saying: “civilize the mind, make savage the body.”

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If you’re interested in learning about the Humanities (history included) or sharing the lives of your friends or loved ones with the world check out what the PLUTARCH PROJECT is all about. Or check out our other ARTICLES and PODCASTS. If you really really like us consider helping SUPPORT US (heck even clicking on an ad (sorry!) helps!

“Art is the social antithesis of society, not directly deducible from it.”

― Theodor W. Adorno, Aesthetic Theory

“Rules of taste enforce structures of power.”

― Susan Sontag

Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on Simplicity.

-Plato

“Art is the imposing of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment is recognition of the pattern.”

― Alfred North Whitehead

“God ever geometrizes.”

-Plato

ROBBY ROBINSON ARMS bodybuilding muscle booklet 1970s

Arnold Schwarzenegger Body Muscle Building Booklet from 1970’s

“The body is the instrument of our hold on the world.”

― Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex

(yes we know what this quote relates to. It’s here for a reason)

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If you’re interested in learning about the Humanities (history included) or sharing the lives of your friends or loved ones with the world check out what the PLUTARCH PROJECT is all about. Or check out our other ARTICLES and PODCASTS. If you really really like us consider helping SUPPORT US (heck even clicking on an ad (sorry!) helps!