Is simplicity simple to attain?
It is not as easy to be simple, but it is an exercise worth aiming for
If there is one quality I strive for, it is simplicity. It is the quality I tell my team of software developers to be constantly vigilant for. It is the quality I seek in my good friendships, and I sometimes go above and beyond to keep things simple with them. And it is this quality that I appreciate in almost every design setting - say fashion, for example. The most appealing look to me is a classic, simple look. Another place is home decor - here, too, simple designs send bursts of euphoria that ease the mind and make it clear. Almost the same love I have for simplicity, the similar distaste I have for complications. Whether it is complicated thinking, roundabout logic, or ornamentalism in ideas or actions, while they might soften one’s position, the lack of clarity is immensely confusing. I wonder what is the point of that. I am not asking for stern directness or boldness as the antidote to ornamental thinking but rather simplicity. Being bold does give the feeling of flashiness to others, but being simple is this incredible middle ground where the other person gets your pov through a more considerate setting, and you don’t have to put extraneous effort into proving your point. It is a win-win for both parties.
Hah, well, I hope I have explained my position on simplicity above. Or did I make it too complicated? :)
Well, truth be told, simplicity doesn’t come without wisdom. It is difficult to talk or behave simply if you are ignorant of the field. You will hesitate, make mistakes, say a few inappropriate things, etc., because you don't know the norms of the place or haven’t mastered the field entirely. It is only the most wise who can explain something without exaggerating or over-simplifying it. So mastering simplicity is not that simple.
You might ask, why am I making all this so gloomy!? No, it is not all that gloomy. Instead, here comes the best part: it is easy to identify this trait in others, for its display will be so natural and easygoing that it will easily distinguish itself from everything else! Look at Sachin’s straight drive or backfoot cover drive. It is effortless. Look at Dhoni’s wicketkeeping, and you will notice his naturalness. Some of the best professors or writers I have found write in incredible direct prose, whereas if you read others, you confuse yourself. These people have attained something precious; it is essentially art in motion, and they are the ones who, in truth, inspire and help run this world in a good way.
The path to simplicity goes through a dense forest of complicacy.
Let's say a real life situation is like a tangled ball of a single thread in our head.
Now I can put that tangled ball in a fancy box with nice ribbon on it. And make it look simplistic, clean and elegant.
Why I would do that? Because it is quick and doesn't require much effort.
But if I really want to keep things simple, I would have to go through tedious frustrating long hours to untangle every knot. Back and forth.
And when I am done I will get a single straight thread with both of its end clear.
From our generation onwards it is never seen as cool to ponder on things, to dissect them. If you are flamboyant and just float over situations you are cool!
If you try to dive in deep a bit, take time to respond, to react you are top boring, too slow 😀. So to fit in most develop skill of skimming on the surface of ocean and never dare to dive in.