Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated

 

Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated.

Life can be a never-ending source of some instances that lead to starting to think; rather than finding a solution, we go to the elements of complications.  

What aspect of your life would you like to minimize, cut back, lessen, or tone down a bit?  What factors contributed to your current level of complexity, and what are the new justifications for its reduction?  Has the need been met by this bit of complexity, or do you need to discover another way to meet it?  Consider it carefully and generate some suggestions, such as what to do with the additional time and effort that was previously required to complete the complexity you just decreased.  Until you feel more at ease with yourself, feel free to practice this repeatedly.  And every year, take stock to determine whether you want to continue on the same path or make changes.

After I gave it some thought, this quote really got to me.  What if the type of vehicle you drove was irrelevant?  What if your home was as long as it worked, regardless of how lovely it was?  It made me reflect on the extent to which we choose to make our lives complicated.  How can we make things more complicated than necessary?  The office becomes everywhere when we obtain a laptop.  That seems more difficult than it has to be.  The same is true for tablets and smartphones.  Simplicity, in my opinion, is crucial in our lives.  Going basic can be a terrific way to decompress and unwind, whether it's a camping vacation without phones, computers, or microwaves or just a cozy evening with a book and a fireplace.

One effective strategy to help you relax is simplification.  I find that focusing on one simple thing—which may be children, loud music, or computers—and reducing distracting input—such as phones, bright lights, loud noises, parents, kids, or anything else—really helps. What is actually necessary for our survival?  The necessities are clothing, food, water, and shelter.  Then there are a few more, including health, information/education, and relationships with others.  We frequently make things more complicated than necessary once we have met the necessities.   Nevertheless, we exchange extra complexity for other advantages since some things make life more comfortable.  Taking your clothes to the creek and beating them on rocks is significantly less efficient than using a contemporary washing machine.  When we have to install electricity, sewer, and plumbing to make it function, things get complicated.  That exchange is more complicated, but everyone I know wouldn't think twice about making it.

Life is chaotic, messy, and nonlinear.  People are always growing, developing, and evolving, which frequently means they have more responsibilities and stuff to keep track of.  When Confucius stated, "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated," he was correct.   We experience tension, anxiety, or depression when we let other factors control our life, not to mention the potential consequences.

 If you don't take charge of your life, everything from your job to your family responsibilities can become extremely complicated and burdensome.  With everything going on in your life, it's simple to become sidetracked and forget what matters most: time to explore our deepest interests, spend time with those we love, and have life-changing experiences.  However, life doesn't have to be difficult.  That's why it's so crucial to simplify your life.   Humans have a natural tendency to complicate situations beyond what is necessary.  It's simple to set up a situation in which the specifics serve as a justification for inaction.  It's difficult to avoid taking a few more steps even if you know the easiest techniques to lead a happy life.

Life can be a never-ending source of unbearable pressure and stress.  You feel like you should be doing more or doing more in all areas of your life, including work, finances, and family responsibilities.   It might be quite difficult to find time for relaxation, let go, or savor the present because of this incessant fight-or-flight reaction.   Stress and anxiety stem from complicating life.  

It's easy to be an enlightened hermit who has sworn off the outside world and lives in a peaceful plot with lovely gardens and streams to claim that life is simple because they've found their own version of simplicity, but ask confuscius to preach to people in war-torn environments, people with mental illness, people with PTSD, impoverished people, and people who are terminally ill and ask them why they are making their life complicated. We don't intentionally complicate life; we just arrive at a complicated environment. No one wakes up and declares, "I'm going to make my day difficult."

Despite the simplicity of life, humans complicate it.  We compete with others to match our interests rather than pursuing our own desires in life.  We all fail to realize that the majority of the problems we encounter in life are caused by ourselves.   Except for ourselves, we blame everyone else.  Keep in mind that you can claim all the praise in the world for your accomplishments as long as you also accept responsibility for your mistakes!

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Title: "Life Is Really Simple, But We Insist on Making It Complicated"  

"Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated." – This profound quote, often attributed to Confucius, holds timeless wisdom. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, we often overthink, overanalyze, and overcomplicate even the most straightforward aspects of life. But what if the key to happiness and fulfillment lies in simplicity?  

In this article, we’ll explore why humans tend to complicate life, how simplicity can lead to greater peace, and practical ways to embrace a simpler, more meaningful existence. 

 

 Why Do We Complicate Life? 

1. Fear and Overthinking – We worry about the future, dwell on the past, and create unnecessary stress by imagining worst-case scenarios. 

2. Societal Pressures – Society often equates success with material wealth, busy schedules, and constant achievement, leading us to chase complexity. 

3. Ego & Comparison – The desire to appear successful, intelligent, or superior pushes us into unnecessary competition and complications. 

4. Technology & Overstimulation – Constant notifications, endless choices, and information overload make it hard to focus on what truly matters. 

 

 The Beauty of Simplicity 

History’s greatest thinkers—from Buddha to Steve Jobs—have advocated for simplicity. Here’s why: 

- Less Stress – Fewer possessions, commitments, and distractions mean less anxiety. 

- Greater Clarity – A simple life helps you focus on your true priorities. 

- More Joy – Happiness often comes from small, meaningful moments—not material excess. 

 

 How to Simplify Your Life 

1. Declutter Your Space – A tidy environment leads to a clearer mind. (Try the KonMari method!) 

2. Prioritize What Truly Matters – Focus on relationships, health, and passions—not societal expectations. 

3. Limit Digital Noise – Reduce screen time, unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, and take social media breaks. 

4. Practice Mindfulness – Meditation and deep breathing help you stay present instead of overcomplicating thoughts. 

5. Say No More Often – Avoid overcommitting; protect your time and energy. 

Life doesn’t have to be a tangled web of stress, obligations, and endless desires. By embracing simplicity—letting go of what doesn’t serve us and focusing on what truly matters—we can live with more joy, peace, and purpose. As Leonardo da Vinci once said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Maybe it’s time we all took a step back and let life be simple again.