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 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium. Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables. Arts & Culture Design Issue 51 How to Make a Chair And do it on a tiny budget. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Odd Jobs The comedian with strong opinions about your home décor. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Tall Order The hidden depths of height. Arts & Culture Films Issue 51 Vicky Krieps An interview with the actor.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables.