Doric capitals on columns extend support of the overlying pediment beyond the diameter of the columns, and they do so in a relatively understated simplicity. Ionic capitals carry the support, but they do it with a sculpted scroll. Corinthian capitals add flair, panache, and elaborate decoration. Sutures on fossil ammonite shells often show the same kind of development. Genera of the ancient relatives of octopuses and squids grew through time simple suture patterns that evolved into complex patterns. Sentences formed by elementary school children are simple. Sentences formed by adults—though this is an arguable point because so many fail to progress linguistically for various reasons, including the failure of educational systems and cultural attitudes against intellectualism—are usually more complex; and, when they emerge from the heads of pedantic and pompous academics, sentences can be as ridiculous as the one that you are, if you are still with me, currently trying to read.
Why the tendency toward elaboration? Is IKEA the only place where simplicity reigns unchallenged? In fact, simplicity is one side of a pendulum’s swing. Elaboration is on the other side. There are still companies that sell chairs with claw feet and fleur-de-lis credenzas. That swing from simple to complex is a constant in our lives, also. There is a duality in us from which we derive solutions to daily problems by reducing or complicating.
“But why don’t you want to?” That’s you talking to someone. It doesn’t matter what the topic is. You want an explanation, and “why” posed to someone else asks for a simple explanation. In another circumstance, someone asks you, “But why…?” You respond, “It’s complicated.”
Unless we train ourselves or are trained by others to listen in depth to another, we usually seek a simple explanation to the motives, actions, and ideas of others. Thus, the straightforward song “Get over It” by the Eagles tells whiners and complainers to simply stop whining and complaining. In contrast, we see ourselves as more complex; it’s tough to just “get over it.” We see the need for developing an elaboration with respect to ourselves, something to support the bas relief of our lives.
So, we waiver between reductionism and complication. For others, the simple will do; they live “Doric” lives. For us, only the complex will do; our lives are “Corinthian.” What might happen if we could, in times of perceived dire need, just pretend to be sitting on an IKEA chair while saying to ourselves, “You know, I think I’ll just get over it.”
Why the tendency toward elaboration? Is IKEA the only place where simplicity reigns unchallenged? In fact, simplicity is one side of a pendulum’s swing. Elaboration is on the other side. There are still companies that sell chairs with claw feet and fleur-de-lis credenzas. That swing from simple to complex is a constant in our lives, also. There is a duality in us from which we derive solutions to daily problems by reducing or complicating.
“But why don’t you want to?” That’s you talking to someone. It doesn’t matter what the topic is. You want an explanation, and “why” posed to someone else asks for a simple explanation. In another circumstance, someone asks you, “But why…?” You respond, “It’s complicated.”
Unless we train ourselves or are trained by others to listen in depth to another, we usually seek a simple explanation to the motives, actions, and ideas of others. Thus, the straightforward song “Get over It” by the Eagles tells whiners and complainers to simply stop whining and complaining. In contrast, we see ourselves as more complex; it’s tough to just “get over it.” We see the need for developing an elaboration with respect to ourselves, something to support the bas relief of our lives.
So, we waiver between reductionism and complication. For others, the simple will do; they live “Doric” lives. For us, only the complex will do; our lives are “Corinthian.” What might happen if we could, in times of perceived dire need, just pretend to be sitting on an IKEA chair while saying to ourselves, “You know, I think I’ll just get over it.”
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