Meditations, Book 4, 24:
“If you seek tranquility, do less.” Or (more accurately) do what’s essential-what the logos of a social being requires, and in the requisite way. Which brings a double satisfaction: to do less, better.
Because most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment, “Is this necessary?”
I’ve been working as a designer for nearly 20 years and one of the most essential principles I follow is the idea of ‘less, but better’. This was famously coined by a German designer call Dieter Rams. I was browsing Meditations again today and I was struck how perfectly Marcus Aurelius summed up this principle (quite a few years a head of Rams!).
I think essentialism, and doing less, but better is such a useful practical tool to keep in mind day to day, and is one of the ways that I personally practice philosophy. I ask myself often what is essential right now, and this helps eliminate the unnecessary distractions and I find it calming (both in work and in life).
Sizes:
A2– 420 x 594 mm / 16.5 x 23.4 inc
Printed using a 12 colour, giclée process the prints will stand the test of time.
240gsm
Smooth Matte Finish
Bright White – Whiteness – (CIE) 150
Packaging:
Wrapped in tissue paper and rolled into a cardboard triangular tube. All of the packaging used is plastic free, too!
