bhaskar saikia

“Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.” How true.

But what exactly is beauty?

Beauty is the appearance—of a person, a thing, or even a moment—that pleases our aesthetic senses. It’s the sunset that makes us pause, the youthful glow that turns heads, the symmetry that catches our gaze. But here’s the truth—beauty is fleeting. It reaches its peak, often in youth, and then fades with time. Beauty, in this sense, is a moment of brilliance.

So, if beauty is temporary, what is it that can last a lifetime?
It’s charm—that magnetic, hard-to-define power that fascinates and delights us. While beauty can make you look twice, charm keeps you coming back. It seduces not through appearance alone but through personality, presence, and the ability to make others feel special.

Beauty vs. Charm

Beauty is often a gift of nature, something you are born with. Charm, on the other hand, is earned.
Beauty says, “Look at me.”
Charm says, “Let’s look at the world together.”

While beauty comes with good looks, charm comes from actions—what I like to call “spectacular deeds.” These aren’t necessarily “good deeds” in the moral sense, but memorable ones that leave an impression. Even a con man needs to be charming—and most are. Beauty might be luck, but charm is effort.

The Case of Neal Caffrey

Take, for example, the fictional con man Neal Caffrey from the TV series White Collar. Why is he so irresistible, despite being a criminal? Because he’s intelligent, talented, knowledgeable, brave, quick-witted—and always manages to get out of trouble with style. Yes, he’s good-looking, but his charm comes from his wit, confidence, and charisma.

No, I’m not advocating for con men. But I am pointing out that charm often has little to do with moral perfection—it’s about the qualities that draw people in.

What Makes a Charmer?

From observation (and a bit of supposition), here’s my list:

• Talent – Something that sets you apart.
• Intelligence – The ability to think on your feet.
• Knowledge – A depth of understanding that impresses.
• Bravery – The courage to take risks.
• Chivalry – Respect for others in action.
• Wit – The art of lightening a moment with just the right words.

But above all, there’s one quality that makes a true charmer: authenticity.
Charmers don’t copy—they create. They don’t chase trends; they set them. They’re not trying to be someone else; they are entirely, unapologetically themselves.

A Rose and a Jasmine

If roses are beautiful—and they are—then jasmines are charming. The jasmine doesn’t try to be a rose. It’s content being a small, white flower, with a delicate fragrance that lingers. It lives with grace and dignity, without competing for the spotlight. And that’s its charm—it wins hearts not by pretending, but by simply being what it is.

Charm, then, is beauty with a soul. And unlike beauty, it only grows richer with time.