Beauty is produced by the pleasing appearance and good taste of the whole, and by the dimensions of all the parts being duly proportioned to each other.
Interpretation
Beauty arises from harmonious proportions and pleasing aesthetics in various elements.
This quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio emphasizes that beauty is not just an isolated quality but is a result of a well-balanced relationship among all the components of a composition. It suggests that pleasing aesthetics and good taste come from understanding how different parts work together in proportion to create something beautiful.
In practice
In a discussion about design, one could say, 'As Marcus Vitruvius Pollio stated, beauty is produced by the pleasing appearance and good taste of the whole.'
Architects should be educated, skillful with the pencil, instructed in geometry, know much history, have followed the philosophers with attention, understand music, have some knowledge of medicine, know the opinions of the jurists, and be acquainted with astronomy and the theory of the heavens
Architect's designs must refer to the unquestionable perfection of the body's symmetry and proportions. If a building is to create a sense of eurythmia, it is essential that it mirrors these natural laws of harmony and beauty
Now architecture consists of order, which in Greek is called taxis ... Order is the balanced adjustment of the details of the work separately, and, as to the whole, the arrangement of the proportion with a view to a symmetrical result.
I am moreover inclined to be concise when I reflect on the constant occupation of the citizens in public and private affairs, so that in their few leisure moments they may read and understand as much as possible.
I, therefore, O Caesar, do not publish this work, merely prefixing my name to a treatise which of right belongs to others, nor think of acquiring reputation by finding fault with the works of any one.
But I, Caesar, have not sought to amass wealth by the practice of my art, having been rather contented with a small fortune and reputation, than desirous of abundance accompanied by a want of reputation.
It is a skill we learn early, the art of inventing stories to explain away the fearful scared strangeness of the world. Storytelling and make-believe, like war and agriculture, are among the arts of self-defense, and all of them are ways of enclosing otherness and claiming ownership.
An empty canvas is a living wonder - far lovelier than certain pictures.
the problems of the human heart in conflict with itself which alone can make good writing because only that is worth writing about, worth the agony and the sweat
I can't change the fact that my paintings don't sell. But the time will come when people will recognize that they are worth more than the value of the paints used in the picture.
I am not of the vein of actors - and I will not pretend to be one - that takes my character home with me. I don't.
Some writers enjoy writing, I am told. Not me. I enjoy having written.
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