The quote, “The perfect aphorism would achieve classical balance and then immediately upset it,” suggests that an ideal short, pithy statement or observation should first establish a sense of equilibrium or harmony. This could be in terms of its structure, its logic, or the ideas it presents. Once this balance is achieved and the reader’s mind is at ease with the symmetry and orderliness of it all, the aphorism should then disrupt this very equilibrium.
This disruption can serve several purposes – to surprise or shock the reader out of complacency; to challenge their preconceived notions; or to provoke them into thinking more deeply about something they might have taken for granted. The power of such an aphorism lies not just in its initial impact but also in its ability to linger on in our minds as we grapple with its implications.
Applying this idea to today’s world can be seen through various angles. In communication strategies for example, advertisers often use balanced slogans which are then disrupted by unexpected twists that make us remember their products better.
In personal development too, we could use this approach when setting goals or trying new strategies for growth. We often start with a balanced plan – defined steps towards achieving our goal – but once we get comfortable with these steps (achieve classical balance), we need to challenge ourselves (upset it) by adding new elements outside our comfort zone which will push us further towards growth.
In essence, this quote encourages embracing disruption after harmony as a way towards profound understanding and progress rather than seeking constant comfort in balance.
