Simplicity is defined as the quality or a condition of being plain or uncomplicated in form or design. But when we look at the world around, we see how complex it is. From the device on which you're reading this to the signals that are transmitted to this device, from basic laws of nature to the complicatedness of matter, from the binary to quantum computing, even our body and our mind, everything around is complex. In such a situation why try to make things simple?
Often, we assume that if we're not doing or pursuing something complex, we're not worthwhile! But, if we pause and look a bit closer, we can see that simple and complex are not two different things. They are actually two sides of the same coin. They always coexist.
Take for instance the Einstein's theory of relativity, such a complex physical phenomenon brought down to an equation that even a toddler can memorise.
Take for instance the Einstein's theory of relativity, such a complex physical phenomenon brought down to an equation that even a toddler can memorise. An iPhone, for instance, is a cutting-edge and complex technology that is extremely intuitive and simple to comprehend. Look at a simple flower or a butterfly or the moving clouds one can realise that such complex phenomena of nature are expressed with great simplicity.
Now, look at our own work at office or business, relationships, our way of being, our inner self... It is complex, and there is no doubt about it. But, why do we like to keep it complex and not simple? It is simply because we misconstrued the meaning of the word "simple" as "easy". And, easy is not difficult, therefore easy is not challenging, and we like to take challenges. Probably because we want to prove a point. What point, and for whom? We don’t really know, but that discussion is for some other time. In the process though, we assume that 'simple' will not be challenging, and mostly for the same reasons we like to keep things complicated!
Life is complex, relationships are complex, our work is complex too... Then why make it more complex? Instead, its time that we find a solution in simplicity.
It is, therefore, necessary and important to have an internal clearing that simple does not mean that which is easy, that which is not challenging. In fact, from great scientists to technologists, from philosophers to artists all have expressed their most complex findings in the simplest manner. The challenge is actually in finding a simple solution to the complex problems. Life is complex, relationships are complex, our work is complex too... Then why make it more complex? Instead, its time that we find a solution in simplicity.
“Simple can be harder than complex. You’ve to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.”
- Steve Jobs
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