It’s not simple to be simple. More often than not we observe complex means being employed to address simple issues. Be it solving a problem or explaining a concept, use of complex methods and jargons is preferred where simplicity can work wonders.
Recently I was tasked to help a team who wanted a Machine Learning model to prescribe the optimal liquid flow that fills maximum tankers in minimum time. Upon examining, it wasn’t hard to conclude that a bit of math could give the right figure. “We need some AI in our system to showcase our capabilities on advanced offerings” was the justification. It was like trying to be 80% sure that 2 + 2 equals some value between 3.96 and 4.04, where simple math could provide a 100% definite answer; A clear pursuit of complexities over simplicity.
We Indians too find complex explanations and use of heavy jargons a sine-quo-non to impress others (Sorry, I can’t help being an Indian myself J). This probably stems from the colonial conditioning ingrained in us over ages. Britons prefer passive tones, while Americans don’t. Signboards like “Entry Prohibited” simplify into “Do not Enter” in America. Active voiced Americans prefer a simple direct tone and argue that incorrigible Britons unnecessarily complicate spellings by adding a “u” in words like “color”.
Psychological observations about what makes people take the longer route might point to reasons below.
Urge to stand out
sounding smarter:
We admire Shashi Tharoor for his unique choice of words,
doesn’t matter if we don’t understand half of those. Be it through his famous
speech in London, Ted Talks he has delivered or the interviews he has given, he
never missed impressing us with his adorable knowledge and diction. Strong
vocabulary up his sleeves to feed his complex speeches, he does stand out smarter
among his khadi clad colleagues.
Half knowledge:
It is said that you haven’t understood a thing thoroughly,
unless you can explain it in a way a 6 years old could understand. It’s like
Amir Khan explaining the meaning of a machine in the movie “3 Idiots”; Use of
simple terms that explain the concept thoroughly but fail to impress due to
lack of engineering complexity.
At times people tend to lean on complex explanations to
cover up their deficiencies about the subject of matter.
If you can’t convince
them, better confuse them:
Just as US President Harry Truman quoted this maxim to describe
his political opponents’ tactics, at times complex means come handy in
intentionally confusing others when convincing is not possible.
Guilt:
We grow up learning that success always follows hard work.
We feel success is sweeter when it’s achieved the harder way. Wise men advocate
treading the “right” way, rather than the “hard” way. At times the “right” way
is actually the simpler, or it may be sheer luck that makes us succeed. But most
of the times, success remains unacknowledged unless there is sweat on the brow.
Fear of Missing Out:
FOMO as it is popularly called is a psychological state of
mind, aggravated by the overuse of social media. We have let technology invade
our lives deeper than expected. Bogged down by the problem of plenty we never
settle on the urge to have more. We fail to entertain ourselves with simple
means that made us happy just about 15 years ago.
Neuroplasticity:
Humans like challenges. Solving complex puzzles reverses
cognitive aging. Over a period, the adrenaline release of getting over
complexities causes neuroplasticity to make complex neural mappings. Brain tends
to automatically follow the complex path as a response to every problem. Simple
way-outs become rare.
We find multiple ways to complicate our lives. We feel like talking, but we hesitate to call. If we need anything, isn’t it easy enough to ask? A plain explanation can settle misunderstandings. When guilt haunts us, we can always apologise. It’s simpler than we think.
Similar ways people tend to over complicate financial investments. Investing need not be that complicated. We witness our previous generation, comfortably retired on simple but disciplined investing over years in limited investment options available in the past. While newer options are necessary to cover the growing cost of living, experts suggest a simple disciplined approach over long term does play out even today. However, our incorrigible self refutes to settle for simplicity.
At office, crisp, distilled explanations in simple terms that the audience understands makes for a good presentation. Jargon filled overcomplicated rhetoric is sure to bore the audience, also make them uncomfortable and hesitant in asking questions.
It’s time we embrace simplicity again. Simplifying complexities and letting simple stay simple never seemed more important. Nothing explains life better than watching a child play on her own, pure emotions derived from simple means.
American researcher Brene Brown once quoted – “It takes courage to say yes to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol”. We probably need to infer these golden words in the context of simplicity. All it takes, is to learn to KISS – Keep It Simple, Stupid J.
