Search for Simplicity

“I would not give a fig for the simplicity this side of complexity, but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity”. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

The progression of most ideas and inventions goes through three steps. The first step is crude and simplistic. Then the idea is refined to consider all dimensions – and becomes complex. Finally, it requires enormous insight and creativity to distill the essence of the idea and transform it beyond the complex to the simple.  

As an example, man’s first attempts at flying were to strap on crude wings and jump from a cliff – a rather simplistic approach that often proved fatal.  Fortunately, the Wright brothers came along and created a complex piece of equipment called the airplane – leading to a multibillion-dollar aircraft manufacturing industry and an even larger airline industry. In a further step towards simplicity, telecommunication technology has reduced the need for travel by breakthroughs like Skype and tele-presence. We are still awaiting the next step of refinement – possibly teleportation – which will be far more energy-efficient and time-efficient.

In a similar vein, early human beings focused first on pure survival needs, looking at life rather simplistically. Then there was a realization that man cannot live by bread alone, and life started getting complex. A significant section of humanity is now obsessed with acquiring stuff – keeping up with the Joneses. The house you live in, the car you drive, the college you attend, the job that you do, the salary you get – these all became measures of success, and many of us spend our entire lifetimes pursuing stuff. We rarely pause to question why we are doing what we do – why we devote our lives to petty acquisitions. 

Too many of us give up our own true calling, our own dreams, to pursue other people’s values. As humankind, it is time we discover what life is really about – which is likely to be quite simple. Let’s reduce all the clutter and confusion that we seem to be carrying around as baggage.

Published by Sudhakar Ram on Mon, 17/01/2011 - 04:22