Simple Perfection?

For many years, I have held the belief that simplicity in all things was something to strive for. It probably started when I read about Albert Einstein and his belief that, "everything should be made as simple as possible...but not any simpler". Leonardo Da Vinci also said that "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication". I liked that idea of "simple is better", so I adopted it.

More recently I read many authors speaking about simplicity and equating it with beauty, with serenity, with clarity, and even with perfection. I thought, wow...can it really be that simple? Can perfection arise out of simple things? Of course. Just think of anything in nature, like a flower, or the molecular structure of water, and you can see that some of the simplest things are the most perfect. Then again, there is some extreme complexity in nature, but it all builds upon simple principles and laws.

Another idea that reminds me of the perfection of simplicity is the AK-47. Yes, the machine gun. The reason why it is so popular is that it is easy to make and highly resistant to malfunctioning. That means it doesn't brake down. Why? Because it is built with few and simple parts, and fewer parts means that there are less places where it can brake down. Less can go wrong. And if it does brake down, the simple machinery is easy to clean and repair. What's not to love? (well...maybe the part about killing things).

Here's another point. If something is complex and complicated, how many will be eager to use it? Only those who have a reason to take on the challenge; and even then, if something easier and as effective comes around, they'll drop the complicated thing for the simple thing. The simpler something is, the more it will be used, because it's easy and convenient. As long as it works well.

So this is what I have concluded so far:

Simplicity alone is not perfection.

Simplicity and completeness equal perfection.

When something is simple and complete, accomplishing the task and not needing anything else, it is perfect. In its own functional way. And if it looks good too, then it's really perfect! Just remember that ideas of perfection are different for everyone. One person's idea of a perfect car, or home, or mate will be drasically different than another's.

Other than that, in everything you do, give this equation of "simple + complete = perfect" a shot, and see what happens. Go for the things that seem to be the simplest and the most complete, and continuously distill everything to its essence. The simplest and most complete truth.

It has brought me much greater clarity and understanding.
It could do the same for you.

Charles

Copyright © Charles Begin