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

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

The implication is that simple and easy decisions—those that prioritize leisure and pleasure—lead to difficult and unpleasant outcomes.  The inverse is also true: when we make tough choices that prioritize learning, hard work, and ongoing self-improvement, the outcomes are straightforward and pleasurable. In conclusion, easy and simple choices result in painful and difficult outcomes, while tough and simple choices result in pleasant and simple outcomes. Repeatedly making wise decisions leads to success; repeatedly making poor decisions leads to failure. Our desires, comparisons, and anxieties about the future often lead to unnecessary complications in our lives, but life is not that much simple.

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. Nobody wakes up and says, "Hey, I'm going to make my day difficult."

The happiest person in the world is one that eats once, is well, and is housed in some kind of shelter.   We all have grief and happiness inside of us; you just need to feel it. Humans are generally not content with what they have; instead, they either repent or try things that are out of their reach, which causes them to lose their composure. While some beggars comfortably snooze on footpaths, I have witnessed many wealthy people who are unable to sleep soundly. Why does this only affect the wealthy?  because wealthy people deal with a variety of stressors and anxieties of their own.

I think that because life offers us so many alternatives, we as humans frequently make things complicated when they are actually rather easy.   The sheer number of possible outcomes in our lives can occasionally be debilitating.  It's crucial to follow your heart instead of merely doing what other people say because of this.   Life like an empty canvas.  The painter is you.  The artwork is your life.  You have a choice.  Do you want to reside here?  Is this something you should do?  Do you need to work on that?

When things are excessively convoluted, it's usually because the person in charge of the complex mess would like to continue trying to solve the problems that their unsuccessful solution has caused. Rather than owning up to their mistakes and beginning afresh. The government's practice of storing cheese in underground caverns in the state is one example.

Emotions and thoughts are the two things that humans rely on to survive.  These center on an instinct for acquisition and survival that is motivated by the self, or "I."  Whether we realize it or not, we always strive to outperform one another and demonstrate our abilities, but only to ourselves.  We want to succeed, but only in our own eyes.  The secret desire to outsmart and outdo one another is what makes our lives more difficult.  We can accomplish this as individuals or in small or large groups.  Since success to us or our group is relative to others, we simply lack the skill of holding each other's hands while pushing the boundaries of humanity.  This is sad as well as silly.

For many of us, that is the definition of success in life.  We strive to be better than the others in schools and universities. We strive to win or place first in games or sports.  Those who are successful are proud, while those who are not put in more effort in the same field or choose an other field to demonstrate their superiority. As a result, we are always at odds with one another, whether consciously or unconsciously, and frequently in subtle ways.  The need to outsmart and outdo each other is what makes us complex.  Our lives are therefore also complicated.

That's what the poor guy on the street does.  That's what the rich guy does.  That is what the wars do.  That is also what the gurus and religious instructors do.  In actuality, a lot of us are like wolves in sheep's clothing, defending our positions at the expense of others, rarely for the good of all humanity.  A lot of pretense is there, and this pretense is the result of "I."  I have viewed myself this way.  I also act like the "I" in me.  Even though I am aware of it, I still do it.  Why?  Its ignorance indeed.

Unknowingly we waste a lot of time and effort in our pretence, justifying all the time, and chasing fulfilment of all kinds.  This is what brings us sorrow, but we do not realise that.  At the root is human ignorance, because we cannot see that it is the “I” which is driving our thoughts and emotions into mutual conflict, and brings us sorrow.  When we recognise that, not intellectually like me, but actually, we become “enlightened”.

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.

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.  At what point does someone become overly complicated?  Depending on your level of interest and complexity tolerance, that is a very personal choice.  I discover that, in some ways, I enjoy complexity.  I like things simple for the rest of my life.  With the exception of camping weekends, I'm not going back to the days of washboards and candles, but I am simplifying my complicated life in many ways.

===

 

"Life Is Really Simple, But Men Insist on Making It Complicated" 

 

Have you ever noticed how children find joy in the smallest things—a butterfly, a puddle, or a simple story? Yet, as we grow older, we clutter our lives with unnecessary worries, overthinking, and complexities. The famous quote, "Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated," often attributed to Confucius, holds profound truth. In this article, we’ll explore why humans complicate life and how we can return to simplicity for greater happiness and fulfillment.  

 Why Do We Complicate Life? 

1. Overthinking and Analysis Paralysis 

   - The human mind loves to analyze, predict, and control outcomes. While this can be useful, excessive thinking leads to stress and indecision. 

   - Example: Choosing a career path shouldn’t be just about money and status but also passion and purpose. Yet, many spend years in confusion, fearing the "wrong" choice. 

 

2. Societal Expectations & Comparisons 

   - Society imposes standards—success means a high-paying job, a big house, or social media validation. 

   - Instead of living authentically, people chase external validation, complicating their happiness.  

3. Materialism & Artificial Needs 

   - Advertisements convince us we need the latest gadgets, luxury items, or trends to be happy. 

   - Simplicity is lost when we equate possessions with fulfillment.  

4. Fear & Insecurity 

   - Fear of failure, rejection, or uncertainty leads to overcomplicating decisions. 

   - Example: Relationships become strained when we overanalyze texts, motives, and hidden meanings instead of communicating openly.  

 How to Simplify Life 

1. Focus on What Truly Matters 

   - Identify your core values—health, relationships, growth—and eliminate distractions. 

   - Practice minimalism: Declutter physical and mental space. 

 2. Embrace the Present Moment 

   - Overcomplication often comes from dwelling on the past or fearing the future. 

   - Mindfulness and meditation help in staying grounded.  

3. Let Go of Perfectionism 

   - Life doesn’t need to be flawless to be beautiful. 

   - Accept mistakes as lessons rather than failures. 

 

4. Say No to Unnecessary Commitments 

   - Busyness doesn’t equal productivity. Prioritize quality over quantity in work and relationships. 

 

5. Trust the Process 

   - Nature operates in simplicity—seasons change, rivers flow, trees grow without force. 

   - Learn to let go of excessive control and trust life’s natural rhythm. 

 

 Wisdom from Philosophers & Thinkers 

- Lao Tzu (Taoism): "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." 

- Marcus Aurelius (Stoicism): "Very little is needed to make a happy life." 

- Albert Einstein: "Out of clutter, find simplicity."  

These teachings remind us that simplicity is not ignorance but wisdom.  

Life, in its essence, is simple. We complicate it with our fears, desires, and societal conditioning. By letting go of unnecessary baggage—mental, emotional, and material—we can rediscover joy in simplicity. As you reflect on this quote, ask yourself: What can I simplify today?