The Cathartic Experience
A discussion of Aristoteles’ concept of catharsis, and of how to beneficially transfer it to resilient design creation
I have previously written about the sublime aesthetic experience as opposed to the beautiful. The sublime experience is heavy in the sense that it contains discomfort and even distress. Despite the potential distress tied hereto, sublime aesthetic experiences are praised throughout history as the most edifying of beauty experiences. There seems to be a consensus that the heaviest aesthetic experiences are the most substantial as well as the most memorable.
Lightness in relation to aesthetics can be entertaining and enjoyable, and a welcome distraction in a busy life. Sometimes, being entertained without having to get too involved or affected can be just what you need. Lightness seems to be the balancing counterweight to worries and stress, so light entertainment is pursued as distraction and recreation. But there is nothing edifying or elevating about a light aesthetic experience, and when it has ended it is almost immediately forgotten about and a new craving for light entertainment arises.
When it comes to the consumption of products it seems that aesthetic lightness leads straight to overconsumption. Unless some kind of bond is created between the…
