Go ahead, call me a simpleton. Because lately I'm realizing that simple is where it's at. Less is more, good things come in small packages, and don't show too much skin because some things are best left to the imagination (ok, a bit far-fetched, but way more interesting). Sometimes the most profound thoughts are generated by seemingly effortless statements. One of the most creatively inspiring books I own, Not Quite What I Was Planning, is a collection of six-word memoirs written by a mixed bag of people, from Joan Rivers to Moby to little old ladies in middle America. I laud it as "creatively inspiring" for many reasons, one being the little nuggets of truth, wisdom, and humor that can be extracted from a handful of the most mundane words in the English language. When asked to describe his life in six words, one man writes, "I colored outside of the lines." Another one I love: "I still make coffee for two." In these statements, I can't help but notice how six simple words have the potential to weave a story of six thousand words in their wake. And every reader who ponders them will each intertwine six thousand different words to create his/her own story. Damn, that's a lot of words. From only six.
I also value the importance of complexity. It can be layman-friendly language describing lofty logic, or exactly the reverse: layman-friendly logic expressed through lofty language. And whenever I read/observe/obnoxiously eavesdrop on the sophisticated someone who can accomplish such a tedious juxtaposition, I think, "totally cool". (Then I immediately feel like an idiot who should take her Hubba Bubba and Teen Beat, and hit the road. On her Big Wheel.) This same book of mine that showcases complex messages derived from simple statements also accomplishes the opposite: basic content by way of witty verbiage. It has been said to "thrill minimalits and inspire maximalists". Case in point? One of my favorite straight-forward memoirs, costumed in a clever labyrinth of words: "Soul'd out so I could prophet."
Simplicity and complexity can stand on their own, but prove even more effective in a co-dependent relationship. They feed off one another; the former is a straight line that needs the latter's complimentary angle to take shape. That which is complex often requires its simple counterpart for the purpose of clarity. Consider how we use analogies, metaphors, and similes every day to elucidate an idea, to provide a more comprehensive grasp. We hated them on the SAT's, but now? CEO : corporate ladder :: orgasm : sex. We fully understand that analogy, now don't we? In fact, we'd like to cut it right off the page and try it on for size, now wouldn't we?
Simple and complex: good alone, great together. It's like one day you're totally into your hooker red, let's call it "form-fitting", mini dress. It's completely inappropriate for work, 80% inappropriate for brunch with Republicans, iffy inappropriate for everywhere else on earth, yet oh-so-apropos for your mood du jour. Conversely, the next day you crawl like a wounded bird into an oversized pilling pile of wool that looks comfy, feels cozy and always, push-up bra or not, begs the question: he or she? Then bam! A couple seasons and multiple issues of Vogue later, the androgynous slouchy sweater worn over the sex-kitten dress is the paradoxical trend of the moment.
The same way we adhere to minimalism one day, we could just as easily be craving the complicated choose-your-own-adventure book of life the next. Each concept folds its way into our comings and goings, and can alternate dominance on a regular basis. Think about your emails to your best friend. Monday: "Nothing new. Trying to decide between egg salad or turkey for lunch. Hmmm..." Tuesday: "Can't chat now, my boss' sister's boyfriend's twin just cheated on his wife with her boss' boyfriend's sister! Presentation at 2, MRI at 4, dinner with my ex at 7."
And just like that, a 360 of your mood, your mind, and your mantra. As you can see, the simple/complex paradox exists in every corner of our little worlds. Confusing, I suppose, but I kinda like being "simply complex", if you will. Lets me get away with bold fashion choices, gives me creative license with my writing style, and yet I still get giddy over a brilliantly banal six-word sentence. I am quite content to find truth, wisdom, and humor in both worlds, either sleekly separated or all mashed up together. After all, sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't. And sometimes I'll take both the almonds and the coconut, thank you very much.
