Meir Soloveichik writes about the tradition of beards among the Jews, and its metaphysical implication.  He says that the beard is a sign of age, and a reminder that immortality is to be sought in grandchildren rather than in Botox.

By forbidding Jews to destroy their hair, the Bible warns them away from seeking the siren song of eternal youth. By encouraging Jews to grow beards, it reminds them that they will not be young forever, that they must prepare the ground for those who come after, just as their fathers did for them. In acknowledging their mortality, Jews are instructed to eschew aspiring to the condition of disembodied angels-for, as a midrash memorably instructs, angels cannot become parents who will instruct their children in the ways of the Lord.

I wear a beard.  I think I started it in college so I would look older.  But I was already bald by age 20, so I’m not sure why the beard was necessary.  But it stuck, so to speak, and if I shave it now, my daughter will cry and my wife will make comments about my chin.  But I appreciate Soloveichik’s thoughts.  Makes me feel better.