Simplicity and Complexity

One of the famous things that American author, poet and philosopher, Henry David Thoreau said was, "Our life is frittered away by detail, simplify, simplify." I think most would agree that this is very good advice. But, we must be careful with simplicity. Sometimes we try to simplify when it really can't be done. Political candidates today try to make simple the impact of the ACA (Obamacare) when, in reality the subject is very complex.

Remember, when the word simple is used as an adjective, it means easy to understand, deal with or use. When used as a noun, i.e., you describe a person as a simple person, the word means ignorant, foolish or gullible. No one wants to be described as a simple person. And, maybe that is why we tend to complicate our lives.

The word complex is the opposite of simple when used as an adjective. It means composed of many interconnected parts. When used as a noun, however, it is not the opposite. A complex thing is a thing of many interconnected parts such as an apartment complex. A complex thing is not, thus, smart or wise.

Apparently quite a few Americans think Obamacare is wrong headed. They may be correct. It certainly is complex. But lets not judge it wrong because it is complex. And similarly we shouldn't try to simplify it and judge it because the Supreme Court justified the mandated part of it by saying it was a tax. Before Obamacare, our health care system was extremely difficult to understand.

The issue is very important because it has to do with our health. Let's make an attempt to understand some of the many other interconnected parts. And if we can't understand it, then maybe that is a good reason to oppose it. In my life as a portfolio manager, I valued this advice, "If you don't understand it, don't buy it."

GO FORTH AND DO GOOD