Possibilities within Limits

Source: farnsworthhouse.org

“If everything is permitted, then nothing is possible” an idea that was on my mind this past week although I could not recall where I had read it as I remember it from years ago in its original French “Si tout est permis, rien n’est possible”.  My research led me to identify the speaker as Michel Clouscard, noted French philosopher and sociologist. Although I still cannot recall where I first read it,  the memory of it muddled like the water in the photo above.  With this thought in mind last week, I decided to limit my choice of clothing to three colors: blue, white and red as homage to Godard among others.  Within these restrictions I found more potential than I thought originally.  In fact, the idea that I was limiting myself ceased to exist and instead it became a joy to choose the day’s ensemble. 

In continuing with this idea of "less is more", I was reminded of Mies van der Rohe, architect often associated with this thought and Chicago. Many are aware of his buildings downtown and at IIT so I hope you will be pleased to find another structure of his not far from Chicago.  About an hour’s drive from the city in Plano, IL, the Farnsworth House is a fine example of minimalist architecture.   Often times it takes more thought and consideration to stay within self-imposed limits but the results are gratifying enough and they beckon a visit to the outer flatlands of Illinois.