Complex Problems

                                                                                            

H. L. Mencken, perhaps the wittiest and sharpest of American journalists of the twentieth century, was also among our most profound political thinkers. One of his very best aphorisms, one cherished by progressives the world around, was an evaluation of the thinking of some with whose opinions he disagreed. He said: “For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.”

Short, to the point, and devastating.

But “every” is a strong word. And in this instance it was probably an unwise choice. Unfortunately there are too many among us who view every problem as complexⁱ and, thus, demand a complex solution, since a simple one would be wrong.

Their understanding of the principle, then, can best be stated as “For every problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.” From their perspective, no question has a simple and straightforward answer or interpretation. And there is certainly no clear answer to any subject at issue.

What about the converse?ⁱⁱ “For every problem there is an answer that is unclear, complex, and right.” Among the “too many among us” whom I cited earlier, this formulation would obviously include all problems, since they know that when we were calling complex problems “simple,” we were wrong. That notion, however, isn't the answer either. But it is the idea that has spawned an overwhelming population of interpreters, regulators, lawyers, and judges – people who believe they understand both the problem and solution better than we do. In fact, however, to a great degree they create the complexity. And since they also decide what is right and wrong, they're certain to be right. Just ask them.

Mencken's aphorism is somewhat dismissive of the views of any who would not overthink an issue in search of complexity where there is simplicity. If some see all simple answers as wrong, that does not make their view true. Some problems are straightforward no matter how earnest the protests of those who have a vested interest in complexity. Not every problem is complex, although the idea can be used as code for saying that the other person, the one who sees the issue as straightforward, doesn't understand it, but the “expert” does. You're dumbⁱⁱⁱ and he's thoughtful and can analyze the problem better than you. Sometimes you don't understand the problem, or your ideology gets in the way of your admitting it, though, fortunately, he possesses neither of those flaws.

But sometimes there is a simple answer. Not every problem is complex and requires endless regulations and delays. Even if that's not the case, though, sometimes you're willing to accept the complexities, or at least put them aside, so that you can act quickly.^iv “Analysis paralysis” is too often the result of trying to account for too much – for finding complexity where there is none. Sometimes, though, and to some people, having no answer is better than having one that is not so comprehensive as to deal with every potential implication of the problem that might exist. It's better to do nothing, they believe, than not to do everything.^v And sometimes the attempt to find a complex single universal answer to what is really a simple problem causes more harm than good. The answer may be far more complex than the question, and it may lead to other problems. “Science^vi is always wrong, it never solves a problem without creating ten more,” wrote George Bernard Shaw.

In all fairness, though, Mencken was right, even if his statement was misleading. Every problem does have “an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.” But that's not all it has. It has both simple and complex solutions. It has those that are clear and those that are unclear. And, most importantly, it has those that are right and those that are wrong. It's up to you to decide the answer that best applies to the situation from among the variety available. Don't make it more meddlesome than it has to be. Remember that sometimes the solution – including the unintended consequences – is worse than the problem, and the response should not be to "solve" new situations with additional complex procedures which make things even worse. KISS.^vii Don't be seduced by a perceived need to make changes. Not everything needs to be changed. Don't just do something, stand there.

Next episode: “BDS – Biased, Divisive, Sophistry” – Something for everyone.

(PS -- Happy Groundhog's Day)

i        Don't look at me. I'm from the “Simplify, simplify simplify” school.

ii      I can never remember if it's “converse,” “reverse,” “obverse,” “inverse,” “perverse,” or whatever, but you get the point.

iii     Actually he probably wouldn't use such a direct insult, although he would certainly try to impress you with his superiority and his insight into the problem. Of course you cannot be expected to understand the implications as well as he.   After all, he's the expert.

iv     For example, there were many complexities on December 8, 1941.  A declaration of war was the simple solution, though not the only one.

v       It is a position that doesn't sanction compromise.

vi      Shaw writes of “science,” but too often the same situation pertains in social and political issues.

vii     “Keep it simple, stupid.” That's the quote, but of course I don't consider you stupid. I didn't make it up and I'm not responsible. I would never be so disrespectful. I think you're smart, so KISS, keep it simple smarty.