And indeed, if art were the beauty parlor of civilization, what kind of beauty parlor would it be?

Would it be the old-fashioned suburban kind with helmet-hairdryers and Madge saying “you’re soaking in it” (i.e. the unctuous green fluid of cultural production)?

Or would it be the new botox ‘n’ aromatherapy kind of spa-beauty parlor?

I think I would like the products better — all those herbal ingredients! –of the second, but I’d miss the sense of community of the first.

The real question is: can we teach civilization some practical and economical self-care? A little egg (white) on your face (readily available in the nearest refrigerator) can work wonders for hiding enlarged pores and other defects.