Keep It Simple Stupid! - By Robert Hughes

KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID! (why?)

By Robert H. Hughes

We have all come in contact with this phrase at some time or another. Why has this always irritated instead of encouraged me? Perhaps it's because I have a hard time thinking of myself as simple? Maybe it's because I am too simple! Maybe it's because I don't, for the most part, feel stupid! Stupid is a condition whereby the capacity for learning is inhibited. I feel as though I have much to learn and the capacity to do so!

Maybe I have this all wrong. Maybe I should be un-learning! Maybe I have already learned too much. If I un-learned more, then maybe I wouldn't know so much. If I didn't know so much, then maybe I wouldn't feel so stupid! Or would I actually know enough to recognize my own stupidity?

What is this "it" in "keep IT simple stupid?" Whenever I am reminded of this phrase, the "it" appears to be something that I have just done that really is totally stupid. What bothers about this "it" is that "it" implies that all things that I try to do will be stupid, unless I make "it" simple? Maybe the "it" is just to remind me to call myself stupid before someone else does. Is that "it" purposely placed there to help me remember that life is a game of tag and in the stupidity department, I've just become "it?" If so, let me pass 'it" on!

What is the mystique about simplicity? Simple according to Webster is equated to bare bones, lack of features, lack of real substance, easy to do, not luxurious or elegant, low rank, lacking significance, ordinary, stupid or foolish,

I think what the world needs now is more complexity! We seem to be so intent on striving for simple solutions that we actually find them! I am beginning to believe that a "keeping-it-simple mindset" could foster and promote simple-mindedness! Wouldn't someone striving for simplicity qualify as a Simpleton? Or, is that too simple?

Why doesn't anyone ever say; "keep it complex you genius?" This would imply that one is not to punish and reprimand oneself for experiencing a temporary setback. At the very least we might consider revising this to say; "try to keep it reasonably intelligent stupid!" Or is that too complex?

Revolt! Starting immediately, vow to seek and more fully appreciate the complex nature of things! This will change your complexion! Once you begin to pursue intricate matters, your opinion regarding simplicity will change! You will find "simple" pleasures in complexity!

I would like to invite you to join my new organization. My first inclination is to call it S.C.U.M., although I am open to revision. SCUM stands for "Strive for Complexity in Matters Unknown." You probably thought that I hadn't noticed that SCUM should actually be presented as SCMU? But then SCMU is just too simple! Besides what other group would have that type of complexity woven into its' acronymic core?

All the very best in your endeavor to discover new complexities!

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Contact Robert Hughes Photography at: (614) 488-2769 / roberthughes@ameritech.net