Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True simplicity is achieved after mastering complexity, not before it.
- In plain terms
- Simplicity comes after you understand the complex parts.
- What can you take from it?
- Do not oversimplify before understanding depth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does simplicity emerge?
- Is simple design always shallow?
Another view
Sometimes starting simple is better for prototyping than diving into complexity.
More from Alan Perlis
One man's constant is another man's variable.
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