Aesthetics?  Aesthetics are often impossible to describe.  We all know when we like something.  Occasionally, we have to let something “grow on us” first before we realize that we like it.  Now and then, we may have to touch it before we know we really like it.  That’s what happened to Agnes with the iPhone.  At first, it was just a distant irrelevancy to her.  Later, by chance, we had some time to kill in a local mall and wandered into the Apple store.  Going into the Apple Store is quite an experience.  Therein are displayed all of the company products, fully operational for the general public to touch, use, practice on, etc.

On this particular day, it was the iPhone display that drew Agnes over.  There was a row of four or five of them mounted on chargers that were free to be hefted, touched, used, drooled over or any other aspect of inspection that was legal.  I first noticed an unusual gleam in her eyes after about five minutes of using the touch screen, playing with the keyboard and looking at the arrangement of the phone messages.  She felt compelled to tell me about it.  In fact, she did tell me about the uniqueness of the experience, how right it felt, and how much she liked the iPhone.  We left for our appointment and that was that.

Within days, Agnes had decided that she had to have the IPhone and why she had to have it.  Not being infected with the iPhone virus myself, I encouraged her to go out and get one.  She did.  I think everyone should get what they want within moderation.  I managed to resist her pleas to get one for myself but I must confess, I enjoyed playing with hers.  I especially liked the Youtube feature and can always instantly become engrossed in watching anything I can imagine and more on that bright little screen.

Years ago, I recall puzzling over why people would pay enormous prices for young Arabian horse foals.  Their huge eyes and extraordinary grace added up to an irresistible aesthetic.  I think the iPhone falls into this category too.  It is an Irresistible Aesthetic!