The Subtle Philosophy of the Round, and the Square: An Article on Abstract Thought
Ever wondered why certain material gets stored only in a particular type of container? Why any drink in round bottles often, ultimately, gets packed in cuboidal cardboard? This article captures my train of thought that travels to the station of understanding; understanding the subtle philosophy of the round, and the square.
The circle, and the square - two distinct shapes that seem opposing forces, in my opinion, complement each other more than what's seemingly obvious.
Round bottles are often packed inside cuboidal boxes of cardboard. It isn't rare to notice a phrase of caution written on the outside in bold, "Fragile material within, handle carefully,". Doesn't this beautifully spin a subtle understanding of how this 'opposing geometry' isn't so opposing after all? Don't the shapes silently complement each other? The fragile delicate bottles inside need something strong to keep them together; need protecting material to keep careless hands away from undesired damage. Roundness as an idea, loves being free-spirited, which is why you need to be extra vigilant when dealing with glass bottles. A gentle harmless touch, and falls the bottle, eager to roll away to freedom. As much as the idea of being restricted is distasteful to the round, it all the more needs a binding force, a force that controls, and sets healthy boundaries. And, what better than the square? But unfortunately, as much as the square loves setting bold boundaries, building crack-less walls, in its well defined obsession, it loses itself. Gets lost in the labyrinth of the artificial. Lost are those who by wearing self-imposed shackles, seldom walk the path of productivity. The square often becomes impaired when action commands attention. This is when the round softens the square's corners and gives it a chance to relish the delight that comes with agility, freedom, and art. It shouts to the square, "It's time you come out of the box!".
A game of carrom encapsulates their supporting philosophy equally well. A large square game board controls the game, hinders its fellow round coins from happily fleeing away. Yet the game can't be played with a dry empty board, let alone square coins, and a square striker. The round smoothens the game, almost breathes life into it, without which smiles on faces are impossible to spot.
The next time you see the round, and the square together, remember that there lies harmony in an astute balance between freedom, and regulation; unplanned sojourns, and detailed itineraries; the round, and the square. This enlightenment makes living life a joyful experience.
Gaurav Chandra Tuli
Wow Gaurav this made me think 😁
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