kaapi wrote:VK,
I think in one word it is elegance. But it is not easy to define elegance in any art form. For instance why a film succeeds in box office and another bombs is still a mystery. Similarly why the same composition becomes a hit only with a particular singer is also a mystery.
A CM composition is the blending together of many distinct components like the theme, prosody,raga,tala into an elegant final product.
It will be very difficult to predict which particular blend will become popular.At best we can analyse those that have achieved fame.
kaapi. Thinking about such enigmas is one of my favorite hobbies
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Explanations ( and not necessarily solutions ) can be found in Complex Systems studies. ( also called non-linear behavior, chaotic behavior etc. ). You can suspect that this beast is in action when there is some kind of 'feedback' of output to input. In other words, whenever people say 'it is a chicken and egg' problem, they are most probably referring to an underlying Complex System. of some vareity. Fashion, Economy, Popularity, culture are all examples of this. The drawings of a snake swallowing its own tail is a symbolic and mythical representation of this phenomenon, if you ask me.
What is interesting is, there are some linear ( predictable ) phases of any complex system and that gives us the illusion that we can somehow predict the outcome and even gives us a false hope that we can effect the future outcome with certainty. But since it is a complex system, when you least expect it, it leaves the linear phase and all of a sudden what used to work does not work anymore.
One fascinating result of thinking about real life things in this manner is, it gives one the humility of our own limitations. But that limitation is not about our capabilities or abilities or skills or motivations but it is about the essential nature of the System we all participate in. So one can have this humility, a balanced perspective on things, without doubting ones own capabilities and skills. Meaning, the outcome does not necessarily reflect on your attitude, skills etc. It is a humility regarding expectations of outcome. "I am proud of my effort vs I am proud I achieved the outcome ". Consequently, this gives one the acceptance when things do not go according to what we planned and predicted. Instead of 'throwing in the towel' ( as someone with a fatalistic mindset may do ), it gives you a scientific and reassuring basis to decide if you did your best or not ( since that is all one can control and not the outcome ). It is a huge burden off one's shoulders. Of course, it is easier said than done.
My own personal philosophy of reconciling and recasting Indian Philosophy to Complex systems is:
Maya : The illusion of Predictability that the underlying complex system gives you.
Bhagavad Gita interpretation: All you can control is your actions and not the outcome since the world out there is non-linear. What is the point in attaching yourself to that outcome, which may or may not happen no matter how hard you try. So let go of that attachment to outcome and focus your energies on what you do, namely the input. Let the system take care of the outcome.
( on a lighter note, next time you pray, ask God to 'let the system exhibit linear behavior for a day'
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Now disciples, you are allowed to ask questions, but if you expect answers, you have already failed the test
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