Simplifying Complexity: Freeing the Mind

Simplifying Complexity: Freeing the Mind

The prevalent phenomenon of complicating social issues is not just a challenge, but also a decisive factor in national development. We often complicate simple matters, consuming vast amounts of time and energy, rooted in our tendency to over-complicate things. Much like language, one of the reasons why English has become the world’s foremost language is its simplicity. In English, “she” has only one meaning: female. In contrast, expressing “she” in Chinese involves multiple words, which can be quite cumbersome. The complexity of the Chinese language is a product of its ancient history, but it also hampers the country’s development.

In daily life, do we really appreciate those who nitpick and focus on trivial details? Or in economics, does prolonged decision-making and anxiety hinder our consumption habits? As Masayoshi Son once said, “Making money isn’t so hard; you just need to establish a general direction and not get bogged down in details.” This sentiment is equally applicable to social life. Over-complicating our thoughts blinds us to the essence of things, fixating only on minutiae.

For instance, a certain company hired numerous economists to predict stock prices, yet their results were not significantly better than those of an impulsive investor. This illustrates that overly complex analyses do not always yield superior outcomes. Only by simplifying problems and adopting a more macroscopic perspective can we discover solutions.

Therefore, we must break free from overly complex modes of thinking and approach issues in a simpler, more straightforward manner. Only then can we liberate our minds, find more effective pathways to problem-solving, and create a brighter future.

Joseph Sun