Perky is not overly impressed by complexity in aspects of life. Indeed, it can sometimes be quite baffling. So why not explore with Perky the concept of ‘simplicity’ and its merits?
Contrary to the common misconception that sophistication is synonymous with complexity, simplicity can often stand out as the hallmark of sophistication. True elegance often lies in the ability to distil complexity into its most essential elements.
At its core, simplicity represents a refined form of communication or design that eschews unnecessary embellishments and details. The superfluous is stripped away.
Achieving simplicity is, however, far from simple, for it requires a profound understanding of the subject matter. Some examples are interesting.
The renowned minimalist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, coined the iconic phrase “less is more” to encapsulate the essence of simplicity in design. His sleek steel-and-glass structures, such as the Farnsworth House and the Barcelona Pavilion, exemplify the elegance that arises from restraint and precision.
In the realm of technology, companies like Apple have long championed the ethos of simplicity in product design. Their products from the iPhone to the MacBook embody a seamless fusion of form and function. Steve Jobs famously remarked, “Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple.”
Simplicity also extends beyond aesthetics to encompass clarity of thought and communication. In fields such as science and mathematics, the most profound discoveries are often expressed in elegantly simple equations or theories.
Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity is encapsulated by the iconic equation E=mc². This is a testament to the power of simplicity in articulating complex concepts.
In the realm of literature and art, simplicity can evoke profound emotions and insights. Economy of expression, as in Ernest Hemingway’s sparse prose and Henri Matisse’s minimalist compositions, is a means of conveying considerable depth of meaning.
It has also been famously remarked that “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”