No Greatness without Simplicity?
There is no greatness where there is not simplicity.
–Leo Tolstoy
As a part of the conversations going on with Beyond Productivity, I’ve been privy to some awesome ideas regarding simplicity and the productivity spectrum. One of the most recent is the idea that the opposite of simplicity may not be complexity, but complications. After all, are complex plots bad? Complex personalities? Complex philosphies? Not at all. It’s complicated things that drive us crazy. Complications imply a lack of purpose or meaning, which isn’t necessary the case with complexity.
That’s what the above quote brings to mind for me. Complexities can be distilled and retain value, while complications typically cannot. Those things that are great can still exude greatness in a simplified form. Those which are merely complicated cannot.
What do Tolstoy’s words make you think? Who do you feel exemplifes this philosophy? I’d love to get a conversation going, even if it veers wildly off-topic. Regardless, have a lovely weekend!
Similar Posts:
- Three Things You Don’t Want to Simplify
- The Simple Truth? You’re Complicated
- Simple Sunday #4
- The Guerrilla Tactics You Need to Fight for the Right to Simplicity
- Why Choose Simplicity?
This post has 14 comments
January 24th, 2009
Perhaps an even better concept than complexities is that of sophistication. As we grow and learn, we can handle more and more sophisticated versions of what came before. That’s what makes learning so exciting is the anticipation of the next, more sophisticated, level.
Cheers,
Adam
Adam Steer – Better Is Betters last blog post..What is a Density Cycle?
January 24th, 2009
Wow … something to think about !!!
Bonnies last blog post.."Show Me Your Systems" said Shay (Office Bookshelf 2)
January 24th, 2009
I think the easier it is for others to understand you, the greater chance your idea has to spread and become larger.
Christophers last blog post..Kids’ Letters to President Obama
January 24th, 2009
That sounds like one of the key characteristics of passion: desiring to get to deeper and more sophisticated levels of a subject.
January 24th, 2009
That sounds about right. Unless you’re running a pyramid scheme. In that case, reverse the rules.
January 24th, 2009
It makes me think:
“If it is complex it is mediocre”
Why?
Albert Einstein said:
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex… It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction”
Alik Levin | PracticeThis.coms last blog post..Kaizen Parents – GTD Kids
January 24th, 2009
So often things are made to be complicated in order to imply complexity.
I agree with Christopher, that comprehension is the most important portion of understanding.
Adam’s point is also well taken, as sophistication builds upon initial understanding.
“There is no greatness is where there is not simplicity”…..
to me is purity, basic, uncomplicated….like just a touch of red lipstick, an apple, pencil to paper, a gentle breeze. Perfection all.
Godspeed,
Carin
January 25th, 2009
“So often things are made to be complicated in order to imply complexity.” So true! Unfortunately, it works a great deal of the time. This is why it pays to ask questions when someone is presenting you with a confusing idea. Sometimes it’s not that the concept is over our heads, it’s that the presenter doesn’t have the comprehension you mention to make a complex idea understandable.
I do think understanding is a key puzzle piece here. Without understanding, it’s likely that complications, not sophistication will result. Makes me want to touch up on the basics of any topics I study, that’s for sure!
January 25th, 2009
I’m not sure I’d go as far as you, but I do love that Einstein quote. Are there different standards for you for art versus conceptual complexity? Or perhaps even complex (not complicated) pieces have a simple core to be found… Thanks for adding more food for thought here!
January 25th, 2009
Hey, I like your notion that complications are really the issue not complexity. Thanks for sharing about it in your post.
My catch phrase is “Simplicity Isn’t Simple”.
Have a good day!
Jess @ Just a Blinks last blog post..Hooked on Play Rooms
January 26th, 2009
Simplicity is ultimately how things get adopted.
Complexity gets in the way of greatness. Sometimes, it just means presenting something a simpler way. Sometimes it means overhauling it to get the kinks out.
I find metaphors are great chaperons for complex ideas.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Left Brainers and Right Brainers
January 26th, 2009
Hi Sara – When I read the quote I thought of KISS. Too often we try to complicate things, and the original message often gets lost in the “translation”.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..What Benefits Does Your Blog Provide?
February 3rd, 2009
You have a great blog. I did not know it.
Maybe there is not a single formula to measure simplicity. For me simplicity implies concentration, sincerity and a tendency into a non egotistic approach. Life is hard many times, yes, but certainly we overcomplicate it.
Yes, you are right. Complications! can be perfectly the opposite of simplicity. Because, for example, in Barcelona (Catalonia – Spain) there was an artistic movement called “Modernisme” (between the XIX and the XX centuries) in houses and decoration and it was not “simple” at all, all pointed to baroque ornaments and overelaborate fantasy. But, what a wonderful houses, what a fantastic dreams..! Even Antoni Gaudí built houses and other buildings in this style. Yes, everywhere was full of many, tiny details and features, but all of this was made with exquisite elegance and conveyed the idea of beauty. When I was a child and went to Barcelona, I was in awe watching the fantastic palaces (”els palaus modernistes”, in Catalan), the romantic gardens with so many secret places, where all exuded a profound miystery.
Even if a room have only a chair and a table can be awful. And a room with many objects, if beautifully arranged, can give to us an idea of cleanliness and order and peace.
If our spirits don’t have much ego, maybe we’ll act with simplicity everywhere and all will be simple and beautiful, regardless of appearances.
Sorry for writing so much.
By the way… I’m a lover of simplicity.
Juan Bielsa
February 3rd, 2009
That’s a gorgeous example, Juan. Ego does seem to play a role in many complications. It takes guts to confident in a simple idea or presentation with no extra flourishes. It also takes guts to make something as fantastical and detailed. I agree that there’s beauty in both.
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