[anrakushi]

Originally Posted by anrakushi

you need to remember that initially kanji where pictures and over time their shape changed.
this wikipedia page shows some examples of the characters forming from their early scripts to the modern script you may be used to seeing on a computer.
Chinese character classification - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

it is also important to note that as wiki says:
"At present, more than 90% of all Chinese characters are phono-semantic compounds, constructed out of elements intended both to hint at meaning and pronunciation." so the characters are not just built up of elements to show their meaning but their sound as well. you will find many characters with similar elements have the same pronunciation.