elegant aspirations

As the world becomes more complex, our relationship with the more straightforward aspects of life also evolves. We often feel nostalgic for the not-so-distant past when life seemed less complicated. While we enjoy our Jane Austen novels, we have become addicted to Googling as our go-to resource because of its convenience.

By our nature, we are complex beings with unique beliefs, genes, and emotions, navigating a world entire of intricacies. For instance, while we read the latest health articles advising us to simplify our lives to maintain our sanity, we might also be busy downloading software necessary for our jobs.

So, how important is simplicity to our well-being? The answer is, quite frankly, complicated.

The marketplace is keenly aware of this duality. Entire industries have been built around the sale of simplicity, from magazines and apps to pre-chopped foods delivered to our doorsteps. There is a direct correlation between growing complexity and the marketing of particularly intricate products. High-tech gadgets, for example, are often packaged in minimalist white boxes, which help reduce our overwhelm while offering a false mastery over items that may be too complex to understand fully. Thus, simplicity and the illusion of it become highly appealing.

This explains why individuals who make complex things appear simple captivate us. For every seamless Armani evening gown, Simon Biles' backflip, or Amanda Gorman's poem, a world of complexity underpins such mastery: faith, courage, determination, discipline, practice, and the understanding that talent is a gift, not a right. Young Eric Clapton, known for his musical talent, practiced his guitar until his fingers bled.

Leonardo da Vinci referred to this type of simplicity as “the ultimate sophistication.” He spoke of the simplicity that emerges from removing everything unnecessary, leaving only the exquisite essence behind. Mastery lies in discerning what to keep and what to discard.

However, we must also consider the dark side of simplicity: oversimplification. This phenomenon is increasingly prevalent today and is the antithesis of what da Vinci meant. As the world grows more complex, influential figures can exploit this tendency by presenting a distorted view that the world is simple and that challenges can be easily managed. This creates a false sense of security, allowing them to gain influence over those easily seduced by simplistic narratives.

To establish a balanced relationship with simplicity in our lives, we should adopt a mastery approach, knowing what to keep and let go. With careful attention to detail, we can apply this principle in various ways—decluttering our homes, eating wholesome food, exercising for health, and fostering relationships with those who inspire us to improve.

Despite the complexity and the intricacies of our world, we can find great comfort in the fundamental truths that are, at their core, divinely simple: together, we are stronger, love enriches our lives, and kindness enhances our well-being. Or, as Albert Einstein once said, "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler."