Louis Sullivan - Form follows function – that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union

the Daily Quote

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Welcome to the Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for August 24th.Today is National Waffle Day, and it has one of the most perfectly practical origin stories you'll ever hear. We celebrate this delicious day because on August 24th, 1869, Cornelius Swartwout of Troy, New York, received a U.S. patent for his "Improvement in Waffle-Irons" – the first modern waffle iron that revolutionized how we make these beloved breakfast treats.

But Swartwout's genius was transforming the waffle iron from a cumbersome, dangerous tool into something safe and practical for home use.

His design featured hinged plates that could be easily turned, preventing burns and ensuring even cooking. It was heated on a stove top, making waffles accessible to regular families rather than just professional bakers or the wealthy. Suddenly, these grid-patterned delights with their perfect syrup-catching squares could grace breakfast tables across America.

What makes waffles so special isn't just their taste – it's their design. Those squares aren't just decorative; they're functional masterpieces that hold butter, syrup, fruit, or whatever delicious toppings you can imagine. It's form meeting function in the most delicious way possible.Which brings us to today's quote from the legendary architect Louis Sullivan, who once said:"Form follows function – that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union."Think about the waffle: those distinctive square indentations aren't just there to make it look pretty. Every pocket serves a purpose, creating the perfect vessel for syrup, butter, and toppings. The grid pattern also ensures even cooking and creates more surface area for that perfect crispy exterior. Form and function exist in what Sullivan called "spiritual union."

Swartwout understood this principle intuitively. His waffle iron wasn't just functional – it was elegantly designed with hinged plates that made flipping easy and safe, handles that stayed cool, and a compact form that fit well on stovetops. He didn't just solve the functional problems of waffle making; he created something beautiful in its simplicity.

This principle extends far beyond architecture and kitchen appliances. Whether we're organizing our homes, planning our days, or building relationships, the most satisfying approaches are those where what works well also feels right.The waffle reminds us that sometimes the most elegant solutions are also the most functional ones, and the most practical designs can also be the most pleasing.
I love waffles but my little waffle maker isn't working this weekend, or actually this month because he is in France... and Spain. And I can't even get his sisters to make waffles today because guess where they are... yeah - Europe.So today, on National Waffle Day, guess who is going to make the most unbelievably good waffles for breakfast. ME!
You too can make waffles today if your little (actually he is big now) waffle maker is far, far, away.So today, in honor of National Waffle Day and Cornelius Swartwout's brilliant design, consider where you might apply Louis Sullivan's principle in your own life. Look for opportunities to unite form and function, beauty and practicality, elegance and effectiveness.

Remember that the best solutions – whether they're waffle irons, life choices, or daily routines – often happen when we stop seeing function and beauty as separate goals and start looking for ways to achieve both in harmony.

That's going to do it for today. May your solutions be as elegant as they are effective, and may you always find the perfect pockets for life's sweetest moments.

I'm Andrew McGivern, signing off for now, but I'll be back tomorrow – same pod time, same pod station – with another Daily Quote.

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