Admired Leadership Field Notes

Share this post

Genius Simplifies the Complex

admiredleadership.substack.com

Discover more from Admired Leadership Field Notes

Daily leadership wisdom you can read in about a minute. Become a better leader in your business, your family, or any social circle. The #1 listed leadership newsletter on Substack.
Over 32,000 subscribers
Continue reading
Sign in

Genius Simplifies the Complex

Admired Leadership
Aug 25, 2021
11
Share this post

Genius Simplifies the Complex

admiredleadership.substack.com
Share

Harvey Penick was a teacher many of whose students went on to achieve great things in the game of golf. Penick’s “Little Red Book” is the best-selling sports book of all time for one reason: He simplified the complex. 

Let me tell you an academic secret: Anyone can make something more complex, but it takes real genius and insight to make it simple. Any time someone offers you what they call wisdom or insight, put it to the simplicity test. If the idea or insight requires a lengthy explanation, a host of charts and diagrams or abstract and dense language it may prove valuable, but it is not yet wisdom. 

Be suspicious of any argument, video, book or treatise that requires more than a few minutes or a few paragraphs to outline the insight the author is promoting. Parsimony is one of the cardinal virtues in the exchange of ideas. Strive to be parsimonious in your own ideas and explanations and hold other accountable to the same standard. 

11
Share this post

Genius Simplifies the Complex

admiredleadership.substack.com
Share
Previous
Next
Comments
Top
New
Community

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2023 Admired Leadership
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing