Lightness: Analogy

As explained in my post, Lightness: Calvino’s Quality, something that has the quality of lightness can appear very complicated. However, when one steps back and evaluates from a different perspective, it will seem light. In order to explain this in more detail, I will use the analogy of the interplay between hardware and software.

In Calvino’s memo on Lightness, he mentions the relationship between computer hardware and software and I think it works best to look at it in a positive light and to expound upon it. So let’s think: You take a look at your basic PC. It looks pretty simple from the outside. It looks like a black case and a square screen. However, upon further inspection, things can become much more complicated very quickly: the simple black case contains so many infinitely intricate pieces and wires.

However, when you sit down and start working with the unit, it is easy to access the internet and perform simple tasks. Just because something may be very complicated, it is not necessary to know all of the specifics if it has the quality of lightness.