Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication 

“fear that thin man in khadi dhoti, with spectacles and a lathi in hand” – said the British governor in India (in times of India freedom struggle) – about Gandhiji. What the above words of the British governor propound is the power of simplicity. Simplicity, not only external but internal reflected in purity of thoughts, firmness of belief and easy effect on the person at the other end. It was this simplicity of Gandhiji reflected in his attire and his ideals, that could defy all power and sophistication of the British, that they were proud of as they pretended to be “Superior races”. In this essay, we will first try to understand the idea of simplicity and sophistication. The relationship between the two as understood by people. The true relationship between simplicity and sophistication. Examples across time and space which have shown the truth held in this adage and finally how one should utilize this in her lifestyle and living to lead a meaningful life.

SIMPLICITY & SOPHISTICATION: DIFFERENT YET ALIKE

Simplicity is the Ideal of absence of any adornments (physical or mental). It is in its true sense, presenting the natural self without any make-ups or marks. Sophistication, on the other hand, is about using supplements, props to glamorize the existing or to transform it altogether to a different visual (perceivable) outlook. “Sophistication” is a westernized word which transforms the object/idea into a complex one. Sophistication, can be in thoughts, actions (e.g., wearing a formal attire) and in speech (e.g., use of etiquettes).

PERCEIVED RELATIONSHIP

People in today’s world have regarded sophistication high above simplicity. In their understanding, simplicity is traditional, something easily achievable but less rewarding for a successful and happy life. For them, power lies in sophistication, making things complex which is necessary for achieving desired results, be it related to career, lifestyle, or way of thinking.

TRUE RELATIONSHIP

The truth is slightly different. Truth lies in the fact that it is not sophistication but simplicity which has achieved great results across time and space. Also, it might appear easy to apply simplicity in one’s life. But the reality is that it is even more difficult (complex) to be simple. Thus, as the adage says, the ultimate sophistication is simplicity. Now, we will see how it was simplicity and not sophistication that bore fruits for people in the long run.

SIMPLICITY & SOPHISTICATION: ACROSS TIME & SPACE

One does not need any evidence to prove the influences that religions like Buddhism & Jainism taught, not only in India but countries and continents. But have we wondered why so many people took refuge in a new religion when Hinduism survived the waves for a long time. It was this simplicity of monks reflected in their attire & thoughts of non-violence, non-stealing, and compassion that stood apart from the sophistication of rituals, sacrifices, propounded by Brahmins who dominated Hinduism. Thus, simplicity became the ultimate winner. Nelson Mandela, a peaceful black African, who spent 25 productive years of his life for the country of South Africa. Why this huge transformation became a reality? It was because years of simplicity & struggle spent in jail added to the simplicity of ideals of Nelson Mandela. He had simple ideas of equality, non-violence & power of truth.

PRESENT SCENARIO SIMPLE TO SOPHISTICATED

Today’s youth is rushing after sophistication of all kinds thinking it an inevitable necessity to be successful. Dressing in a westernized way is considered to be reflective of a sophisticated living. Especially in offices, formal attire is a must for a conducive work culture. There is nothing wrong in having choice on what to wear or not. The problem lies in the overemphasis on such matters that transforms them from what they are to what they think they need to be. This is harmful as this places them in a state of dissonance where their behavior and thoughts diverge. Complications and sophistication are associated with all kinds of technologies, be it an iPhone, a MacBook laptop, a Mercedes. It is considered a status symbol, a standard of sophisticated living. But the unfortunate part is that this has further distanced the youth from simplicity leading them to all kinds of depression, suicides, and frustration. They need to understand simplicity lies in thoughts, self-contentedness, and happy living. A simple practice of Yoga which involves postures for balancing the rhythm of the body is being replaced by all the sophistication of various practices of gym and even to the extent of using dance for exercising. Not doubting the efficacy of present means, but this needs no evidence that perfection and body balance the basic postures of yoga bring, is much above all external sophistications. Homes are decorated in the name of ambiance bringing all kinds of sophistication such as large paintings, vases, expensive sofa sets, etc. But the simplicity presented by mud-houses in rural areas, the simple techniques of Vastu Shastra stand apart hugely in providing much-needed peace of mind when contrasted with external sophistication. Thus, reinforcing the ideal that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Talking about this on a mental scale, the present ideals of ambitions, individualism seem appealing to people and reflect present sophistication in thoughts. Even speaking lies at times is considered necessary. But it needs a careful analysis of why simple ideas of truth, non-violence have stood the test of time. Have we ever wondered why lies need to be remembered all the time but not the truth? This itself says what is simple & what is sophisticated.

REVERSING THE TREND: SOPHISTICATION TO SIMPLICITY

Thus, the need of today is to find the path back to the ideals of simplicity which is essential for not only a peaceful but a successful living. An instrumental role can be played by the heritage and culture of Indian civilization which is a great resource to guide the present generation to simplicity, away from all the shine & glitter of sophistication. To clarify, simplicity is the highest virtue to aspire for. A conscious application of this in all walks of life will lead to a meaningful living, a successful one.