On The Consequences of Simplicity

THE PRESCRIBED TITLE:
" 'Seek simplicity and distrust it.' Is this good advice for a knower?"

The world which we, as knowers, seek to understand is packed with intricacies. Often a quest to find one solution unfolds an infinite amount of related problems. From problems that make life difficult to philosophical debates, they all demand a level of understanding from respective knowers. Our processes of reason, perception, emotion and language compel us to understand our surroundings and thus drive us to simplify the complicated. Students are encouraged to breakdown the aspects of a deep topic and address it through simplified steps like the creation of an outline. The often flawed assumption is that concepts like a historical event can be reduced in the same manner as a mathematical equation, with no effect on the end result. For this reason it is imperative to remember the consequences of blindly trusting simplicity.

The problems associated with the prescribed title focus around the understanding that simplicity infers as well as demands reductionism. When a knower applies or creates simplicity, the details and fine complexities are forfeited. For the sake of a knower's comfort, details that branch between areas of knowledge, alternative perspectives that effect perception, and features with the possibility of enhancing functionality are sometimes ignored. When intricate implications are considered, complex analysis is usually only a step in the process towards reaching a simplified conclusion. One of the knowledge issues is that the brain is limited in its time to know and in its capacity. As a curious knower seeking to understand the world around him, a knower is inevitably forced to leave an endless amount of information unaddressed. We can only cope with so much so we prefer to detail with, “the simple stuff”.

Arguably, the most well known scientific equation is E=mc2. The equation is a part of popular culture when many other physics equations are much more connected to everyday life. Why has this equation stuck? Most likely because of the equation's simplicity and the fact that an easy to memorize formula represents concepts which are difficult to conceive. Einstein's equation just like many equations of gas law such as the Ideal Gas Law are designed for simplicity's sake, so that problems can be applied and solved with the assumptions that the knower will not encounter a problem set that will break the equation. But the fact remains that in situations of tremendous amounts of pressure, the Ideal Gas Law fails. The fact remains that those that refer to E=mc2, rarely truly understand its meaning or implications. These implications and exceptions are why a knower is advised not to trust simplicity.

Going on to suggest that a knower must distrust simplicity infers the need for an active state of thought where simplicity must be countered with knowledge.  In an attempt to understand, inform and address the current economic crisis, economists and members of the media busy trying to simplify what went wrong with the financial system. It is a situation where those that think they understand it all do not understand. How does a knower distrust such simplicity? A knower needs to maintain an awareness of the existence higher level of truth and knowledge. A knower must appreciate that truly full understanding is impossible. Especially if a knower seeks simplicity by ignoring information, the fact that such background knowledge is out there and posses an effect demands acknowledgment.

For example, take a look at the appreciation for simple design. Marketers battle with engineers because consumers love simple and sleek. From iPods to remote controls, features which are technologically feasible are omitted for the sake of easy of use. Cluttered interphases filled with powerful features scare away average users especially when the demand is for simple repeatable tasks. It is especially clear in the realm of consumer electronics. The power of functionality is sacrificed for ease of functionality. It is thus good advice for a knower to recognize this as problematic and approach the case of seeking simplicity as a balancing act.

There are instances when a knower ignores such advice. I forget about the broad long term goals when I look at my planner and check tasks off from a to do list. When there is a lot to do and I seek to be more productive, I organize my responsibilities by classes or projects. Then I divide those into actionable tasks. In this way, a simplified version of what needs to be done over a long period of time is created for completion. The consequence is that in doing this, I tend to lose the motivation, the sense of purpose, and the sense of accomplishment granted by the larger picture.

The pitfall of simplification are also present in the nature of relationships and emotion. Trying to understand people and their situations often leads to misinformation. The very nature of gossip not only furthers the gap between understanding and ultimate truth, but encourages participants to simplify complex behavioral traits and relationships. People have a gradient of emotions. It is easy to just feel angry or sad and consume yourself with emotion. It is much harder to remember the reason behind it and prevent yourself from merely rationalizing a temporary state of mind. Because personalities are dynamic it is dangerous to seek simplicity. This is evidenced by the fact that psychologists spend many hours with their patients before even delving into the core of a problem or making a diagnosis.

While there are certainly concepts that require simplification, not everything needs to be simplified. If you restrict yourself to simple exterior aspects then you miss out on the inner value, true value that only reveals itself upon analysis and in depth interaction. Everyone can be simpleminded, but it takes an active knower to seek simplicity and appreciate the deeper perspective. Simplicity makes knowledge easy to recollect, easy to use, and easy to structure. It makes for an efficient application of knowledge but it is contrary to the thinking role a knower is encouraged to play in society.

It is sometimes said that one needs to be an artist in order to truly appreciate the arts. While not always true, this is a reflection of the consequences and potential value lost upon the process of simplification. When we seek simplicity, we make assumptions, generalizations, and draw incomplete conclusions. The counterclaim maybe that sometimes situations can be simplified merely by getting rid of distracting detail, but nonetheless, it is a process of reductionism. It results in less output in the form of knowledge and value. There is always more information in the cloud and ignorance is relative, but an attempt to include context is not always distracting.

People buy into simplifications and catch phrases. We like to appreciate, “the simple things in life” and simple pleasures which tap into our emotion and allows us do just do without thinking. We don't seek what we can not understand and that is why we seek simplicity, because it is easier to figure our for ourselves. With such a mindset, we do not delve beyond the surface of understanding. 

The most compelling advertisements are very rarely the ones with the highest volume of consumer benefits but are rather more often specific targeted pitches. Everyone wants a simple solution to a complex problem. This essay is included. It offers a simplified presentation of a large array of knowledge issues. Just like simple designs, this essay should not be fully trusted for there are implications, consequences, exceptions and other details which are inevitably left out.