Kenneth Snelson
In TaiChi we usually use the word tension to mean blocked energy, either within part of the body or in the mind. However, the word really means a stretching or pulling and is used in mechanics to describe such a force, as opposed to compression which is a pushing or pressing force. Kenneth Snelson (sculptor) and Buckminster Fuller (architect) have described and built structures from rigid struts held together by flexible & sometimes elastic cords (see picture above), or loosely jointed (geodesic domes). Such structures are held together by tensile forces in the cords or joints rather like our own skeletons held together by ligaments, tendons and muscles. Snelson and Fuller have discovered that as long as the tension in the structure is evenly distributed over the whole (relaxed) then the structure has remarkable (tensile) strength and can withstand external pressures (attack) by absorbing the energy and elastically deforming (yielding). Any blockage or concentration of stress within the structure will result in weakness and possible breakage.
Note that tension, tendon, and tendency all stem from the Latin tendere meaning to stretch (as does tent and tenuous, surprisingly).
The word 'tensegrity' is an invention: a contraction of 'tensional integrity.' Tensegrity describes a structural-relationship principle in which structural shape is guaranteed by the finitely closed, comprehensively continuous, tensional behaviors of the system and not by the discontinuous and exclusively local compressional member behaviors. Tensegrity provides the ability to yield increasingly without ultimately breaking or coming asunder.
The great structural systems of Universe are accomplished by islanded compression and omnicontinuous tension.
Tension is the great integrity.
Truth is a tendency.
Buckminster Fuller
Note that tension, tendon, and tendency all stem from the Latin tendere meaning to stretch (as does tent and tenuous, surprisingly).
3 comments
intent
intend
intention
tender
?
My schoolgirl latin has failed me. Julian Cope wouldn't worry though, he would say the links are there, this being 'etymosophy'. (See his wonderful introduction in the excellent guide to megalithic Britain 'the Modern Antquarian')
i need an etymological dictionary!
INTEND means stretch towards which is nice - a sort elastic magnetism.
TENDER in the sense of proffer/offer comes from tendere whereas tender as soft, delicate, fragile apparently comes from Latin tenerum which means soft, delicate. However, all these words originate in a Proto Indo-European root TEN which means stretch, so they are all connected.
I remember reading an interview with Samuel Beckett where he stated that his lifelong quest was for THE word, the original one word. He said he had no idea what it was other than that it was about six inches long and was made out of stone. I love the madness of passion.
There is a good online etymological dictionary.
Tenacious ?
Post a Comment