On the Complex Nature of Things
A truly mature mind doesn’t get trapped by “either/or” choices.
This is a false dichotomy.
You think it’s one thing, or the other. You’re asked: “Is food better if it’s nutritious or if it’s delicious?” This is not a choice. This is a trap.
You can have both. You can have neither. The qualities aren’t in conflict. They are compatible.
The Essence vs. The Function
A thing’s essence is its core identity—what it fundamentally is. Its functions are what it does.
The essence of food is nutrition. It must be nutritious. Its deliciousness is a valuable, but optional, attribute. You wouldn’t call a rock “food,” no matter how delicious it tasted.
The two ideas can coexist. You can’t separate them, but you can understand their different roles.
The same logic applies to art.
The Art of Contradiction
What is the essence of literature?
My view: the pursuit of an aesthetic effect through the medium of language. This is its core identity. Its foundation.
But the real magic happens when great works transcend this foundation. They go beyond essence. They take on additional functions and values.
They become more than just a language game. They depict society. They record history. They expose human nature.
Think of Dream of the Red Chamber and Anna Karenina.
They are linguistic marvels. Their aesthetic effect is profound. But they are also works of deep social commentary and psychological insight.
You can’t have the book at all without the language, without its aesthetic purpose. But you also can’t separate the deep social analysis and still have a great book. The social commentary and aesthetic quality aren’t in conflict—they are interdependent. They build on one another.
A Critical Mind
The ability to see this synergy is the mark of a truly critical mind. It’s about moving beyond simplistic choices and appreciating the full, complex nature of the world. It’s about understanding that things can be both, and more.