Answers Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“We ascribe beauty to that which is simple; which has no superfluous parts; which exactly answers its end; which stands related to all things; which is the mean of many extremes.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
Beauty arises from simplicity, purpose, and harmonious relation to all, avoiding excess.
In simple terms: Simple, purposeful, harmonious beauty.
Key Takeaway
Seek simplicity and purpose.
Themes
beauty
simplicity
purpose
harmony
Mood
reflective
appreciative
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- design
- architecture
- writing
- product development
- personal style
Key Concepts
Aesthetics
minimalism
holism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you simplify without losing essential function?
- What does “mean of many extremes” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Simplicity may overlook necessary complexity.
![“I like the idea of becoming [fairly] good at lots of things rather than very good at just one thing. So it would be nice to be okay at the guitar or at the piano, a reasonable cook, perhaps able to fix your car or do some basic carpentry, and be able to write the odd article. Rather than being…” quote by Tom Hodgkinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/544/tom-hodgkinson-2852_able_i-like-the-idea-of-becoming-fairly-good_348980.jpg)
