Attention Quote by Edward de Bono
“Dealing with complexity is an inefficient and unnecessary waste of time, attention and mental energy. There is never any justification for things being complex when they could be simple.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Six Thinking Hats, Edward de Bono, 1985
Complexity wastes mental resources; simplicity should be pursued whenever possible.
In simple terms: Complexity wastes time and energy.
Key Takeaway
Simplify tasks to save mental effort.
Themes
efficiency
clarity
problem solving
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- project planning
- software design
- policy analysis
- personal organization
Key Concepts
cognitive load
parsimony
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- When is complexity justified?
- How can you balance simplicity with thoroughness?
A Different Perspective
Simplicity may ignore necessary nuance.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
