21g

In "21g," Julia Hung delves into the human pursuit of control through standardization, prompting reflection on the qualitative dimensions lost in this quest for oversimplified measurement.

Ancient Greeks embraced life's measurable and predetermined nature, seen in Lachesis, one of the Fates, measuring the thread of human destiny—illustrating humanity's fixation on measurement.

In the early 20th century, Dr. Duncan MacDougall sought to measure the weight of the soul, linking the departure of the soul to an inexplicable 21-gram weight loss in terminally ill patients. Hung finds intrigue in the symbolism of '21,' rooted in the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, and 'gram,' originating in the metric system born during the French Revolution. Both are tools of standardization crucial for communication in business, science, and mathematics.

Today, the pervasive reliance on measurement and standardization often leads to a neglect of nuanced qualitative aspects. "21g" invites contemplation on the impact of this obsession with quantification, exploring the complexities that may be overlooked in the pursuit of standardized control over the intricate tapestry of human experience.