"Life is like art. You have to work hard to keep it simple and still have meaning"

Charles de Lint's quote, "Life resembles art. You need to strive to keep it simple and still have significance", uses an extensive reflection on the intricate balance between simplicity and significance. At its core, the statement recommends that whether in life or in art, intricacy is easy to achieve, however discovering simpleness that is both effective and meaningful requires effort and intention.

In the realm of art, simplicity does not relate to a lack of substance. Rather, it represents the distillation of ideas and feelings into their purest kinds. Artists typically invest countless hours fine-tuning their work, stripping away the superfluous to expose the core truths or messages they plan to convey. This procedure requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, as well as a commitment to clearness and eloquence. Similarly, in life, achieving simpleness involves discernment and intentionality. It's about knowing what to welcome and what to let go, making sure that a person's actions, relationships, and pursuits align with personal values and realities.

Additionally, simplicity in life can result in a clearer understanding and gratitude of what genuinely matters. Simply as a messy painting may sidetrack from its primary style or feeling, a cluttered life can obscure one's purpose and happiness. By embracing simplicity, we allow ourselves to concentrate on the fundamentals, developing space for significant experiences and genuine connections.

De Lint's example likewise means the requirement of hard work in both art and life. It is a pointer that meaning does not arise spontaneously. It needs to be cultivated through effort, reflection, and often, sacrifice. The pursuit of simpleness and significance is a continuous journey, requiring constant reflection and modification.

Eventually, de Lint encourages us to pursue a life that, while simple, is rich in purpose and significance-- a life artfully crafted through intention and clarity.