again, only with more effort, doing the same operation over and over again is very unlikely to yield better results. The correct response is to look for alternative solutions. The tendency to repeat the same operation over again is especially likely for those who are anxious or tense. This state of negative affect leads people to focus upon the problematic details, and if this strategy fails to provide a solution, they get even more tense, more anxious, and increase their concentration upon those details. Contrast this behavior with those who are in a positive emotional state, but encountering the same problem. These people are apt to look around for alternative approaches, which is very likely to lead to a satisfying end. Afterward, the tense and anxious people will complain about the

difficulties whereas the relaxed, happy ones will probable not even remember them. In other words, happy people are more effective in finding alterative solutions, and as a result, are more tolerant of minor difficulties. Herbert Read thought we should need a mystical theory to connect beauty and function. Well, it took one hundred years, but today we have that theory, one based in biology, neuroscience, and psychology, not mysticism.

In admitting that our environments can shape us to a greater of lesser degree, we can acknowledge that the house itself matters. Le Corbusier’s 1923 manifesto “towards a new architecture” he states “a house is a machine for living in. Baths sun hot water, cold water,

warmth at will, conservation of food, hygiene, beauty in the sense of good proportion”. American’s have long invested in an idea of modernism, which says that convenience leads to bliss and we can all savor the benefits of a well-run house and realize that efficiency is both an art and a science- and attractive things really do work better.