There is a difference between simplicity and simplistic. And it's worth understanding, because it impacts the way we approach pretty much all of life.

It also matters for gentle rebels because it influences the way we think about personality. There is a difference between simple and simplistic understandings of introversion and high sensitivity. This matters.

Simplicity vs Simplistic

This is an idea I first came across when I read Edward de Bono's book, Simplicity. In it he talks about simplicity as existing the other side of complex. There is a responsibility for people to break down complex aspects of life into manageable and recognisable.

A simple solution to a problem is a good solution.

A simplistic solution to a problem may well create and add to the problem.

Simplicity is being simple after knowing. The simple solution understands the deep issues of the problem and finds the simplest way out of it. Whereas simplistic assumes it knows without actually bothering to take the time to understand.

In this episode of the podcast we explore this idea in a deeper way and ask how it might relate to gentle rebels.

[powerpress]

Simplistic vs Simplicity

Simplistic view of an introvert: a person who is shy and reserved.

Simple understanding of introversion: a person who is energised from the inside out rather than from external stimulation. They look within before responding to the outside world and like to know what they want to say before they speak rather than 'thinking out loud’.

I also talk about how I believe concepts like 'hustle' and 'creativity' relate to this simplicity/simplistic divide.