If you look at a building by Mies van der Rohe, it might look

In the pursuit of greatness, there is often a subtle yet profound truth: simplicity, when crafted with great care, becomes the highest form of artistry. David Chipperfield illuminates this truth when he speaks of the buildings of Mies van der Rohe, whose work, though seemingly simple, reveals its inspiration through its quality of construction, its materials, and its deeply considered thought: "If you look at a building by Mies van der Rohe, it might look very simple, but up close, the sheer quality of construction, materials, and thought are inspirational." These words echo the timeless lesson that true mastery lies not in complexity or ornamentation, but in the purity and integrity of the design, in the depth of the thought that informs the work.

The ancient philosophers knew well that true greatness is often found not in outward displays of grandeur, but in the deep simplicity of wisdom. Socrates did not seek to impress with elaborate rhetoric, but instead asked simple, piercing questions that forced his listeners to look inward and examine their own beliefs. His wisdom lay in the clarity and purity of his approach to knowledge. Similarly, Mies van der Rohe’s architecture may appear simple to the untrained eye, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a profound understanding of space, materials, and function. It is the simplicity of his designs that allows them to resonate deeply, offering inspiration through their restraint and thoughtfulness.

Consider, for a moment, the Parthenon in Athens—a structure that has stood for centuries, enduring the ravages of time. The Parthenon, while grand, is not adorned with excessive ornamentation, yet it stands as a monumental testament to the skill and purpose of the architects who designed it. Its beauty lies not in elaborate decoration but in the purity of its form, the proportion of its columns, and the harmony with which it relates to the environment around it. Just as Mies van der Rohe’s work reveals itself through its precision and attention to detail, so too does the Parthenon. In both, the true inspiration is not in what is added, but in what is left out, in the discipline of restraint, and in the deep consideration of every element that contributes to the whole.

The lesson from these works of architecture is clear: greatness does not always require complexity. Simplicity, when executed with great skill, care, and thoughtfulness, can have a far more profound impact than the most ornate display. In our own lives, we often seek to impress others with the grandiose, with the complicated, or with the extravagant. Yet, true greatness is often achieved through simplicity—through the clarity of purpose, the quality of our actions, and the integrity of our intentions. Just as Mies van der Rohe crafted buildings that were not only functional but inspirational, we too can find inspiration in the simple and honest pursuits that truly matter.

In the same vein, the wisdom of Michelangelo offers a powerful example of how simplicity can transcend complexity. Though he sculpted works of extraordinary detail, like the David, it was the clarity and purity of his vision that made his art timeless. He often spoke of seeing the figure within the marble, and his job was not to create something from nothing, but to reveal the figure already present. Michelangelo’s work was not about adornment but about exposing the essence of his materials. Similarly, the inspirational quality of a Mies van der Rohe building lies in its ability to reveal beauty through simplicity, to strip away the unnecessary and leave only the core of the idea, executed with mastery.

The wisdom we learn from Mies van der Rohe’s architecture, and from the great artists and philosophers of the past, is that greatness is often found in the restraint and clarity of expression. When we approach our work with deep thought, purpose, and integrity, we will find that even the simplest of creations can have profound effects on the world around us. Inspiration does not come from overcomplicating or overloading our efforts, but from understanding what is truly essential and expressing it with the highest level of skill. Just as the most inspirational buildings stand not because of their grandiosity, but because of their careful construction, so too can we craft lives of purpose and impact by focusing on the essentials—those things that truly matter and contribute to the greater whole.

To future generations, remember this lesson: greatness is not always about grandeur or complexity. Seek instead to simplify, to distill your efforts to their essence. Craft your life, your work, and your creations with deep care and thought, and you will discover that even in simplicity, there is profound beauty and inspiration. Let your creations—whether in architecture, art, or life—be guided by purpose, integrity, and clarity, and you too will find that your work, like Mies van der Rohe’s buildings, can inspire and endure.