7 of the Most Elegant Elements in History

Elegance is, in short, that which is exceptionally beautiful and simple, modest and at the same time bright. These are seven things that represent elegance.

One of the best things what we can do when we need inspiration is to take a bath and then list the things we like most in the world; enter into that mental gallery that has such a small doorway but such high ceilings and is full of the favorite things that one has collected throughout their lifetime; simple things such as a cup of tea, a steamed-up window or the sound of the wind among the leaves on every morning all over the world. ––All that can illuminate the darkest space. The same exercise can be carried out at an earthly, historical or cultural level to light up the planet for a moment. Because it is often the world and not oneself that needs that bath, and a little inspiration.

What are the most elegant things in history?

If we vaguely understand elegance as that which is exceptionally beautiful yet simple, the natural world and objects are full of it. What is beautiful is not always useful, but beauty, like elegance, is sufficient. Something elegant does not need someone to look at it, such as the leaks of light or the shadows in an empty room. To be elegant, as Ortega y Gasset would say with enormous intuition, is “to be activity and dynamism and frenzy and to appear to be containment, control and resignation.”

There is a delicious parsimony in that which could be considered elegant, and by appreciating it one is infused with calm and control and with quietude. The following are a few of the most elegant things that this planet has produced, things that are naturally ruled by a ‘less is more’ approach, by the pregnant simplicity of life.

Tea

Tea, but perhaps, above all, green tea, acquires the most beautiful and tranquil shades, changeable but slow, steaming, warm and ancient. It always brings us esthetic and physical comfort.

Globes

Its virtue is the ecumenical symbol of our home. The globe is a jewel, a scale model that has been used by the greatest artisans and cartographers throughout history to showcase perfection and modesty.

Umbrella

Because it is both a walking stick and the sky’s canopy, both of which are part of the gallery of elegance. Because it protects us but it is never heavy. Because it unites the sophisticated insignificances of logic and geometry. Because whomever is underneath one enjoys anonymity and discretion.

Fern

It is enough to see its shadow on a wall to understand that few manifestations of nature emanate more elegance than the pteridophyte. Many people in history have been hypnotized by their enchanting influence.

Chandelier

Hanging from a cable, a chandelier illuminates ceilings with the somber halo of an ancient being. It is a kind of micro-world that fuses temperance, utility and beauty.

Divan

For its form, almost like a reclining human body, and the way that it makes a body adopt that pose, the divan is a beautiful piece of furniture. It also induces phantasmagorical states of mood and its name, the word itself, is pure grace.

Mirror

Because it is the esthetic synthesis of everything. Because in its discreet daily nature a mirror never ceases to connect worlds. Because it can convert into everything without ever ceasing to be itself. Because even in the most pitch-black night it suggests that there is a deeper night somewhere else.

Cat

Because a cat is always enigmatic. Because it listens to the world in repose and its silhouette is a statue erected to pride. For its fiercely independent and aloof character. Because a cat just wants to be a cat and it knows what it wants, and in the night has eyes of gold. (“Mirrors are not more silent.”)