July 26, 2013

We learn the rope of life by untying its knots.  – Jean Toomer

FOCUS:

On the campus of the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO there is a large, stainless steel art sculpture entitled “The Gordian Knot” that was fabricated by artist Douglas Kornfield out of 300 feet of stainless steel.   Like the original Gordian Knot, it is without a beginning or end.  According to the school’s website, the inspiration for the sculpture came from an ancient story of Alexander the Great – “In 333 BC, wintering at Gordian, Alexander at­tempted to untie the Gordian Knot. The legend claimed that whoever untangled the knot would rule Asia.  Finding no end to the knot, or a way to unbind it, he sliced it in half with his sword.  Alexander went on to conquer Asia, fulfill­ing the prophecy.  The term ‘Cutting the Gordian Knot’ is today often used as a metaphor for an intractable problem, solved by a bold stroke.”

I think the sculpture is beautiful and is a wonderful inspiration for the students to ‘think outside the box’ when facing seemingly impossible challenges.