Bowl Quote by Laozi
“Mold clay into a bowl. The empty space makes it useful.”
About This Quote
Source Classic: Tao Te Ching by Laozi, c. 400 BC
The value of an object lies in the empty space it contains; usefulness arises from what is not there.
In simple terms: Empty space makes a bowl useful.
Key Takeaway
Design with purpose, leaving room for function.
Themes
design
functionality
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
calm
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- product design
- architecture
- ceramics
- writing
Key Concepts
negative space
utility
minimalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does empty space enhance your designs?
- When can you simplify by removing excess?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting the empty space can reduce effectiveness.
![“In the Leach Pottery we did most of our work on the wheel. [Bernard] Leach did a little work in the studio, which was press-molded forms, plastic clay pressed into plaster forms to make small rectangular boxes and some vase forms, which he liked to make. These were molds which had been made to an…” quote by Warren MacKenzie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3a8/warren-mackenzie-4654_boxes_in-the-leach-pottery-we-did-most-of-our_447338.jpg)
