Simply simple

Recently, I attempted to read articles by overly educated sociologists and writers. My eyes kept swinging between their articles and a dictionary. It is a good thing that my vocabulary improved while reading them. And it is a great thing that my brain did some exercise. It was fine for me reading complex sentences as I deliberately wanted to read some complex writings in order to gain control over Reading Comprehension in CAT 2010.

But...

Why do they have to write in such a complex style that people hang themselves while trying to understand it? Most of the writers winning booker's prize are such complex writers that I doubt if even the jury can understand them. If they are writing for their own, I pity them for being so complicated characters. If they are writing for others, I laugh at their stupidity. If they are writing for other complicated writers, I express my anger for their 'writers chauvinism'.

I remember my school when my math teacher used to ask pupils to come on blackboard to solve problems. She used to applaud for those who provided the most intricate solutions, even if those problems could be solved in a simpler manner. Why is there such an affinity towards the complicated? I guess, it's a attraction of the unknown. "If I can't understand it, it's ought to be something great and high above my level".

Humanities schools teach the most complex psychology and 'bouncer' philosophies. I wonder if they do it just to show their students that the pupils are learning something 'great'. They include western philosophers like Karl Marx, The Greek Gang of three (Socrates, Plato and Aristotle) and other complicated philosophers in their curriculum but not simpler and as per me, more useful philosophies like Zen or Taoism. They don't include simplistic thinking approaches like the 6 thinking hats. But they take pride in learning complex although useless things.

I am in a habit of doing things in simpler ways, if possible. That is why when I presented by graduation project, the reaction of the professors was, "This won't be considered, it is too simple". I remember that I asked a manager of a multinational company, "Sir, why don't you use Edward de Bono's simplistic thinking techniques for your company?" This manager had a million dollar reply, "Ankur, his techniques are too simple. I don't think they will work." And I laughed my ass off.

But...

I am happy that the great thinkers and innovators have understood the power of simplicity. Google, the most widely used search engine looks simple and works simple. Apple iPod is the simplest mp3 player in market and the best selling too. I am glad that there is someone like Edward de Bono who not only appreciates but also encourages simplicity. This simplicity isn't easy to achieve. Often it's more difficult to achieve than complexity. Still, people seem to appreciate complexity when it comes to language, mathematics and other things beyond their hold. But when it comes to things of their use like search engines, mobile phones, laptops, etc, they mostly go for the simpler objects. Many companies are using simple techniques like the 6 thinking hats to achieve higher efficiency and lesser time in meetings and taking decisions.

We still have a long way to go to realize the importance of simplicity.

Amidst all the complexities and appreciation for complexities, I pose a question to the mango man (aam aadmi):

Wasn't life supposed to be simple?