'For the simplicity on this side of complexity, I wouldn't give you a fig. But for the simplicity on the other side of complexity, for that I would give you anything I have," said the American essayist Oliver Wendell Holmes.
He's right. Simplicity can be harder than complexity. And exquisite simplicity sits at the far side of complexity. To arrive there, we want to learn more about and work hard in the domain, juggle ambiguity and various perspectives, apply and experiment in the lab, and gain practical experience in the field.
Yet it's all worth the investment of time and effort, as simplicity at the far side of complexity is often the starting point of true wisdom and great creativity. Allow me to explain.
As alluded to by Holmes, "simplicity on the far side of complexity" suggests that we can achieve true simplicity not by avoiding complexity, but by moving through and beyond it. We can best understand the concept when we look at -- and gradually pass through stage by stage -- the "complexity bell curve" until we arrive at the far side.
Initial simplicity: When first facing a new subject (topic, task or problem), we lack a deep understanding or experience of it. To a novice, things look straightforward because we haven't yet noticed the underlying complexities.
Encountering complexity: As we delve deeper as an apprentice and later as a practitioner, we gradually become aware of complexities. We begin to notice and appreciate the finer nuances, variables and intricacies that make simple solutions inadequate or superficial.
Navigating through complexity: In this third stage, we engage with, understand and begin to juggle the complexities. We adapt our approaches and often change our initial perspective. We notice underlying principles and spot patterns and connections. We are now (often more practical) masters of our field or even have advanced to being (often more theoretical) domain experts.
Simplicity on the far side of complexity: After thoroughly understanding and navigating the complexities of the subject, we eventually reach a point where we can distil the novel insights we gained into simpler concepts, solutions or understandings. As a maestro, our acquired know-how combines deep knowledge, acquired skills, rich in-the-field experiences and profound reflections on the essence of all of this. Consequently, we now know how to synthesise the complex layers of the subject into its clear, simple and essential gist. Unlike the initial simplicity, this new simplicity on the far side of complexity is well-informed, profound and elegant.
The concept of simplicity on the far side of complexity applies to various fields, including science, art, philosophy and business. Interestingly, the most profound insights, best ideas and most elegant solutions often emerge when we engage with complexity in-depth rather than merely skimming its surface.
When we master complexity to the point where we can simplify without losing the essence or integrity of the original challenge, we make it easier for creative breakthroughs to occur. And that's why outstanding creativity often lives on the far side of complexity. Or as the American jazz musician Charles Mingus put it: "Making the simple complicated is commonplace. Making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity."
NO SHORTCUTS
How can we move towards the far side? How do we know we are operating there? Unfortunately, there is no shortcut. You have to gradually move along the complexity curve until you arrive there. This journey requires a profound passion for the subject matter, and a willingness to work hard to deepen your knowledge and play hard to widen and deepen your practical expertise.
Here are three strategies that can help you to get to the far side (and give you feedback when you arrive there):
Teach it to an absolute beginner: The famous physicist Richard Feynman advocated teaching a complex subject matter to an 8- to 10-year-old child. If they can understand the essence, you know you have mastered it. If not, you know you have more work to do.
Master the classroom, the lab and the field: Can you teach the subject in simple terms in a "classroom" setting? Can you also demonstrate how to apply it in practical terms "in the lab"? And finally, can you flexibly modify and spontaneously evolve your approach when you encounter the issue for real "in the field?" If you can master all these aspects, then you are a maestro operating on the far side of complexity.
Operate on two (or more) mastery levels: Can you switch between different levels of complexity when explaining the subject matter to different audiences? Being able to adjust your approach to at least two levels of sophistication is also an indication that you've arrived.
Dr Detlef Reis is the founding director and chief ideator of Thinkergy Limited (www.Thinkergy.com), the Innovation Company in Asia. He is also an adjunct associate professor at the Hong Kong Baptist University, and an innovation advisor at the Institute for Knowledge & Innovation -- South-East Asia, Bangkok University. He can be reached at dr.d@thinkergy.com