The third drink is the best, allowing us to dance freely and shoot gorgeous pool. (The fourth does us in.) Three brothers Karamazov, three brothers Marx, the Three Musketeers, three little pigs, three blind mice, three-course meals. Three of something seems complete. It’s a number that holds an almost magical power over the human mind. And when we encounter something too complex or messy to understand, our first instinct is to split it into three parts. Young writers tend to group their adjectives in threes—a habit that is sleepy, predictable and comforting. Threes are everywhere in Shakespeare (“Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow…”), and form one of the most common rhythmic devices in poetry. Riddles, too, are This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-six Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 49 Karin Mamma Andersson Inside the moody, mysterious world of Sweden’s preeminent painter. Arts & Culture Issue 49 Jenny Odell The acclaimed author in search of lost time. Arts & Culture Issue 49 Amalie Smith The Danish arts writer finding clarity between the lines. Arts & Culture Issue 49 Ryan Heffington Meet the man bringing choreography, community and queer joy to the desert. Arts & Culture Issue 49 Nell Wulfhart Advice from a decision coach. Arts & Culture Fashion Issue 49 A World of Difference A fun lesson in cultural faux pas.
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