We often confuse simple and easy. We think that simple means easy, and easy means simple. But, according to Rich Hickey, they are two different things.

18 Nov

The word "complex" originates from "complect," meaning "to braid or weave things together." Something complex is intertwined with other things, making it dependent and bound. This interconnectedness makes complex systems fragile and resistant to change.

In contrast, simple comes from simplex, meaning "standing alone" or "not intertwined." A simple system is independent and self-contained.

Easy, the root of that means that something is near at hand. It’s something you already know how to do. It’s within your realm.

Choosing ease over simplicity leads to complex systems

While "easy" and "hard" are subjective, "simple" and "complex" are objective properties of a system.

Simplicity is about reducing unnecessary dependencies, whereas complexity is about entanglement.

These universal system design principles also apply to life.

Hard choices, easy life. Easy choices, hard life.

Choose wisely!

Special thanks to Derek Sivers for introducing Rich Hickey.

That is it for today, take it easy until next time.

Note: My blogs are “Notes to Self”—a way to bookmark inspirations, learning, and random ponderings.

Read all my “Notes to Self” at view all blogs.

Guru Rao

We often confuse simple and easy. We think that simple means easy, and easy means simple. But, according to Rich Hickey, they are two different things.

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