If a thing can be done adequately by means of one, it is…
![“If a thing can be done adequately by means of one, it is superfluous to do it by means of several; for we observe that nature does not employ two instruments [if] one suffices.” quote by Thomas Aquinas](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/1af/thomas-aquinas-837_doe_if-a-thing-can-be-done-adequately-by-mea_1269727.jpg)
“If a thing can be done adequately by means of one, it is superfluous to do it by means of several; for we observe that nature does not employ two instruments [if] one suffices.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
If one method suffices, using multiple is unnecessary; nature prefers simplicity.
In simple terms: One adequate means is enough; avoid excess.
Key Takeaway
Choose the simplest effective solution.
Themes
efficiency
simplicity
natural order
resource use
Mood
analytical
philosophical
Type
theoretical
practical
When to use this quote
- engineering design
- policy making
- daily decision making
Key Concepts
Occam’s razor
systems theory
economy of means
Questions to Reflect On
- When is redundancy beneficial?
- Can simplicity miss nuance?
A Different Perspective
Complex problems sometimes need multiple approaches.