E = mc2
It’s the equation that Albert Einstein is famous for. It shows how mass and energy are intertwined.
Many people before Einstein had developed theories that had tried to explain the relationship between mass and energy. However, with all of the other equations, there were far more variables. The solutions were more complex – they were less simple.
What Einstein did was make the equation more powerful, more accurate, by reducing inputs and making it simple.
Occam’s Razor For Everyday Life
You’ve likely heard of Occam’s Razor before. It is a problem-solving principle that is used often in science and math, that says “simpler solutions are more likely to be correct than complex ones.”
However, it’s really a principal that is not limited to just mathematical equations. It is a philosophy that can truly be applied across our lives.
Many of the common problems that we run into have a complex solution that is available to us in our modern life. Oftentimes, the complex solutions are seen as the “correct” solution, because of all of their fancy reasoning behind them.
But what if we looked for more simple solutions?
Problem – I need to buy something.
- Complex Answer – You should take out a loan to finance the purchase. By using debt you will help build your credit score. You can also get a loan at 4%, which is lower than the 7% that you could make by investing that same money into good mutual funds.
- Simple Answer – Save up and pay for things in cash.
Problem – I need to lose weight.
- Complex Answer – Have you heard of Keto? All you have to do is not eat more than 50 grams of carbs a day. This will put your body into ketosis, which makes you burn your own fat for fuel. Next, you couple that with intermittent fasting (6:18 or 5:2 methods), and you’ll really be able to lose weight quickly.
- Simple Answer – Eat good, real food.
Problem – I have too much stuff.
- Complex Answer – There are so many great storage and organization options available. For larger things you don’t need often, you can rent out storage space. Otherwise, ideally, you’ll be able to buy a bigger home that can adequately fit all of your stuff.
- Simple Answer – Only buy things you need.
Problem – I’m not happy with my life.
- Complex Answer – Think about who may have wronged you. Who put you in this position? Start by blaming others for your unhappiness. Then go seek validation by posting pictures on social media and buying things that make you feel good. Getting “likes” is a great way to boost your self-esteem.
- Simple Answer – Accept that you are solely responsible for your happiness.
Seek The Simple
“The way grandma used to do it” is often best. There is wisdom that comes with no-nonsense solutions.
Businesses thrive off of providing you complex options that make them more money and give you more stress. Playing with interest rates, marketing jargon, and service models that sound too good to be true.
The same holds true if we are talking about solutions to our personal problems. The more we need to try and rationalize how we are going to better ourselves, the less likely it’s going to happen. The simple, in your face answers, are usually best.
Hi James, nice to read another valuable blog post from you.
Speaking of simple answer to solve problems more effective, I agree with you. However, I personally often found it easier to be said than to be done.
Maybe it was because of me who tends to overcomplicated things. But somehow it happens because of two reasons. First, unclear with the expected end result (e.g quality, deadline, cost) which cause the second reasons, over creativity during the process.
What do you think about it?
It’s very easy to overcomplicate things when they are all thoughts in your head!
I’d suggest writing down when you want to do, or talking it through with a close friend. This will force you to simplify, as having to explain it outside your head will quickly show how “complex” your solution is.