Aristotle, the ancient Greek scientist and philosopher, held that “Nature abhors a vacuum.” Or, in the original, much-more-fun Latin, “horror vacui,” which has nothing to do with vacuuming—even though there are probably plenty of busy people who abhor the thought of vacuuming! (Shall we put the Latin on our walls? “‘Horror vacui.’–Aristotle.”)
When Aristotle established the concept around 300 B.C., it expressed his understanding of nature’s aversion to empty spaces. The idea is, simply put, that nature tends to fill gaps or voids, and emptiness is contrary to the natural order. It’s a concept also known as “plenism,” from the Latin “plēnum,” and related to the English “plenty.”
Over the years, I have come to realize just how true this idea is—not in science (I am not a scientist, and the concept has actually been refuted in that realm), but in life.
Relationships
Probably the area where it can be most important, and least noticed until it’s too late, is that of communication. In relationships, whether personal or professional, when things are left unsaid, somehow the mind fills that vacuum, and what it gets filled with isn’t always good. If you start a new endeavor or a new relationship and you don’t speak to people about it and tell them enough, they may not understand your choices. Over time, this can lead to negative feelings—or in the case of endeavors, information or messages—building up.Connection & Spiritual Grounding
Feelings of emptiness due to a lack of connection or lack of spiritual grounding can lead to substance abuse, social media addiction, and so on. So in this arena, too, nature abhors a vacuum.A well-done book that breaks down this concerning phenomenon in America is called “Bowling Alone” by Robert Putnam. It talks about the decline of in-person social activities—whether they be bowling leagues, PTA, or church groups—the impact that this is having on our communities, and on the urgent need to rekindle these ties.
Team Dynamics
In a team setting, whether it be a volunteer or professional context, a leadership or coordination vacuum can cause confusion or lack of direction. Team members might step in to fill these voids, but this can lead to inefficiencies or conflicts. Clear leadership and well-defined roles help maintain a cohesive and productive team. (Despite what some may wish to argue.)Home Maintenance
When there is a vacuum, or hole, in the walls of a home, it seems that Nature (capital) abhors it, but lowercase nature, so to speak, loves it. Let’s face it—when we’re in mice season, they do love those little holes and crevices, but Nature requires filling those holes. If we don’t, then something else will.Time Management
In the realm of personal productivity, the principle of “nature abhors a vacuum” certainly applies, too. If time remains unscheduled, it will get filled one way or another (and although some psychologists do recommend having some specifically unstructured time, it should be scheduled as such).
Consciously choosing to fill time with positive and meaningful activities and developing a specific schedule lead to much more rewarding outcomes and a greater feeling of accomplishment. Instead of allowing voids to be filled haphazardly, proactive decisions about how time, energy, and resources are spent can contribute to a more fulfilling life, the rewards of which create a virtuous cycle.
Variations
There are quite a few variations on “Nature abhors a vacuum,” some of which encapsulate different truths. Here are a few to reflect on and enjoy:- “Nature abhors a straight line.”—William Kent, landscape architect
- “Nature abhors extremes.”—Various
- “Nature abhors annihilation.”—Marcus Tullius Cicero
- “Nature abhors a garden.”—Michael Pollan
