We require from buildings two kinds of goodness: first the doing their practical duty well: then that they be graceful and pleasing in doing it.
By: John Ruskin
Imagine a world where every structure around us was built with not just functionality in mind, but also with an inherent grace that pleases the eye and the soul. This is the essence of what John Ruskin, the great Victorian art critic and thinker, was getting at with his quote on architecture. But this philosophy doesn’t just apply to buildings; it’s a principle that can be extended to every facet of our lives. Let’s explore how striving for both practicality and grace can lead to a more fulfilling existence.
At the core of any endeavor, be it constructing a building or planning our daily routine, lies the need for practicality. A building must stand firm against the elements, provide shelter, and serve its intended purpose. Similarly, our actions and plans must be grounded in reality, taking into account the resources we have and the goals we aim to achieve.
Practicality is the bedrock upon which we build our lives. It’s about making decisions that make sense, that are sustainable, and that will ultimately lead us to our goals. For a student, this might mean creating a study schedule that balances schoolwork with rest and recreation. For a professional, it could involve developing a business plan that is both innovative and achievable.
But practicality alone isn’t enough. Just as a building that does its job but is an eyesore can diminish the quality of its surroundings, a life lived without an appreciation for the aesthetic and the joyful can feel hollow. Grace is about adding that touch of beauty, that sense of pleasure to the practical aspects of our lives.
Grace can be found in the simple elegance of a well-kept garden, the thoughtful layout of a home, or even in the way we carry ourselves and interact with others. It’s about doing things with a sense of style and joy. For the student, it could mean personalizing their study space to make it inviting and inspiring. For the professional, it might be about presenting their work with a touch of creativity that sets it apart.
When we combine practicality with grace, we create environments and lives that not only serve our needs but also inspire and uplift us. This combination is powerful. It’s about finding the balance between what works and what delights, between efficiency and beauty.
Imagine a building that not only shelters its inhabitants but also inspires them with its design. Now, imagine a life where every task is not just completed, but completed with a sense of pride and joy. This is the kind of life that Ruskin envisioned—one where practicality and grace go hand in hand.
So, how do we apply this principle to our everyday lives? It starts with intention. We must first recognize the importance of both practicality and grace. Then, we can begin to make small changes that incorporate both elements into our daily routines.
For instance, when organizing our day, we can focus on efficiency but also make room for activities that bring us happiness. It could be as simple as arranging our workspace to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, or taking a few extra minutes to prepare a meal that is both nutritious and delicious.
By consciously seeking out ways to add grace to the practical aspects of our lives, we can create a more balanced and enjoyable experience. This doesn’t mean that every action must be a grand gesture; often, it’s the small touches that make the biggest difference.
Striving for both practicality and grace is not without its challenges. It requires thought, effort, and sometimes a willingness to go against the grain. But the rewards are well worth it. A life lived with this balance is richer, more colorful, and more satisfying.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t a one-time task, but a continuous process. As we grow and change, so too will our understanding of what is practical and what is graceful. The key is to remain open to this evolution and to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
In the end, the buildings we admire for their sturdiness and beauty are much like the lives we aspire to lead—grounded in practicality, elevated by grace. By embracing both, we can build not just structures, but lives that stand the test of time and bring joy to ourselves and those around us.
John Ruskin was a leading English art critic of the Victorian era, as well as an art patron, draughtsman, watercolorist, philosopher, prominent social thinker, and philanthropist. He wrote on subjects as varied as geology, architecture, myth, ornithology, literature, education, botany, and political economy.
By “goodness,” Ruskin referred to two key qualities: the practicality of a building in fulfilling its purpose and the grace with which it does so, meaning its aesthetic appeal and the pleasure it brings to those who see and use it.
We can apply Ruskin’s principles by striving to balance practicality and grace in our daily routines, work, and personal spaces, ensuring that our actions are not only effective but also bring joy and beauty into our lives.
Having both practicality and grace is important because it leads to a more balanced, fulfilling life. Practicality ensures that our basic needs and goals are met, while grace adds an element of beauty and enjoyment, enhancing our overall well-being.
One example could be meal preparation. While the practical goal is to nourish the body, adding grace could involve taking the time to present the food beautifully on the plate, experimenting with flavors, or setting the table with care, turning a routine task into a more pleasurable experience.
Finding a perfect balance between practicality and grace is an ongoing process and may never be fully achieved, as circumstances and personal preferences change over time. However, striving for this balance can lead to continuous improvement and greater satisfaction in life.
One knows they are achieving a good balance when their actions and surroundings not only meet their needs but also provide a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. It’s a personal feeling that comes from experiencing both efficiency and joy in one’s life.
Yes, focusing too much on grace at the expense of practicality can lead to inefficiency, impracticality, and even failure to meet basic needs or goals. It’s important to maintain a balance where grace enhances practicality rather than detracts from it.
Absolutely. Grace is often found in the simplest of things. A clean and uncluttered space, a handwritten note, or a well-tended garden are all examples of simple grace that can bring joy and beauty into our lives.
John Ruskin did not design buildings himself; he was a critic and theorist on architecture. His influence came through his writings and lectures, which inspired many architects and thinkers of his time and beyond.
