# Quotes about simplicity

- Quotes: 41
- Authors: 30
- Topic page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity
- JSON version (same data): https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.json

## Quotes

> Everything is simpler than one can imagine, at the same time more involved than can be comprehended.

[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe.md) · [Maxims and Reflections](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/maxims-and-reflections.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/maxims-and-reflections/everything-is-simpler.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> It is well to be simple once in a while.

[Donald Barthelme](https://www.leafyquotes.com/donald-barthelme.md) · [Not-Knowing](https://www.leafyquotes.com/donald-barthelme/not-knowing.md) · p. 234 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/donald-barthelme/not-knowing/it-is-well.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> The knife's plain haft, against his ribs, through a starched evening shirt.
>
> The handles of a craftman’s tools bespeak an absolute simplicity, the plainest forms affording the greatest range of possibilities for the user’s hand.
>
> That which is overdesigned, too highly specific, anticipates outcome; the anticipation of outcome guarantees, if not failure, the absence of grace.

[William Gibson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-gibson.md) · [All Tomorrow's Parties](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-gibson/all-tomorrows-parties.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-gibson/all-tomorrows-parties/the-knifes-plain.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> One of the most succinct commentaries I've come across for encouraging plain talk came from an executive who told his staff, "Don't utilize utilize. Use use."
>
> I try to avoid pompous language. Some people use it as an oral status symbol to impress others. Others use it because they've simply forgotten how to talk in simple, clear, everyday terms. You will be far better off, because you'll be better received and better understood, if you avoid "trendy talk."

[Larry King](https://www.leafyquotes.com/larry-king.md) · [How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere](https://www.leafyquotes.com/larry-king/how-to-talk-to-anyone-anytime-anywhere.md) · p. 94 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/larry-king/how-to-talk-to-anyone-anytime-anywhere/one-of-the.md)

Topics: [pride](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/pride.md), [words](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/words.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Inner listening makes clearer to us what we really want, as distinct from what we have been talked into, and it might not have a price tag. We may also discover that "ownership" is in some sense an illusion, that holding on to things can keep us from freely enjoying them. Greater awareness may give us new appreciation for simple things.

[Marilyn Ferguson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marilyn-ferguson.md) · [The Aquarian Conspiracy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marilyn-ferguson/the-aquarian-conspiracy.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marilyn-ferguson/the-aquarian-conspiracy/inner-listening-makes.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md), [materialism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/materialism.md)

> Bad, I thought, looking around me, that I’d accumulated so much. A man should never own more stuff than he can carry in his hands at a dead run. It was bad, but it had happened.

[Fredric Brown](https://www.leafyquotes.com/fredric-brown.md) · [The Lights in the Sky are Stars](https://www.leafyquotes.com/fredric-brown/the-lights-in-the-sky-are-stars.md) · p. 230 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/fredric-brown/the-lights-in-the-sky-are-stars/bad-i-thought.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md), [materialism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/materialism.md)

> [...] live hard not soft; eat hard not soft; seek fiber in foods and in life.

[Helen Nearing](https://www.leafyquotes.com/helen-nearing.md) · [Simple Food for the Good Life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/helen-nearing/simple-food-for-the-good-life.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/helen-nearing/simple-food-for-the-good-life/live-hard-not.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md), [self-discipline](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/self-discipline.md)

> In the desert I had found a freedom unattainable in civilization; a life unhampered by possessions, since everything that was not a necessity was an encumbrance.  I had found, too, a comradeship inherent in the circumstances, and the belief that tranquillity was to be found there.  I had learnt the satisfaction which comes from hardship and the pleasure which derives from abstinence: the contentment of a full belly; the richness of meat; the taste of clean water; the ecstasy of surrender when the craving for sleep becomes a torment; the warmth of a fire in the chill of dawn.

[Wilfred Thesiger](https://www.leafyquotes.com/wilfred-thesiger.md) · [Arabian Sands](https://www.leafyquotes.com/wilfred-thesiger/arabian-sands.md) · p. 22 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/wilfred-thesiger/arabian-sands/in-the-desert.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [happiness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/happiness.md), [friendship](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/friendship.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> When a musical piece is too simple we tend not to like it, finding it trivial. When it is too complex, we tend not to like it, finding it unpredictable—we don't perceive it to be grounded in anything familiar. Music, or any art form... has to strike the right balance between simplicity and complexity...

[Daniel Levitin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/daniel-levitin.md) · [This Is Your Brain on Music](https://www.leafyquotes.com/daniel-levitin/this-is-your-brain-on-music.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/daniel-levitin/this-is-your-brain-on-music/when-a-musical.md)

Topics: [art](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/art.md), [music](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/music.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Sometimes, a deeper order—a better fit to a purpose—is achieved through simplification rather than further increases in complexity.

[Ray Kurzweil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ray-kurzweil.md) · [The Age of Spiritual Machines](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ray-kurzweil/the-age-of-spiritual-machines.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ray-kurzweil/the-age-of-spiritual-machines/sometimes-a-deeper.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> “Why can nothing be simple?”
>
> Geloë shifted on her stool. The wise woman’s voice was surprisingly sympathetic. “Because nothing is simple, Prince Josua.”

[Tad Williams](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams.md) · [To Green Angel Tower](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams/to-green-angel-tower.md) · p. 635 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams/to-green-angel-tower/why-can-nothing.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Simple answers to life’s questioning. That would be a magic beyond any I have ever been seeing.

[Tad Williams](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams.md) · [Stone of Farewell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams/stone-of-farewell.md) · p. 188 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams/stone-of-farewell/simple-answers-to-lifes.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Life is not supposed to make things complex. It is to unwind things, by giving simple answers to simple questions.

[Neamat Imam](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neamat-imam.md) · [The Black Coat](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neamat-imam/the-black-coat.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neamat-imam/the-black-coat/life-is-not.md)

Topics: [life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/life.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Simplicity and purity are the two wings by which a man is lifted above all earthly things. Simplicity is in the intention; purity in the affection. Simplicity tends to God; purity apprehends and tastes Him.

[Thomas Kempis](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis.md) · [The Imitation of Christ](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis/the-imitation-of-christ.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis/the-imitation-of-christ/simplicity-and-purity.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> But then...it used to be so simple, once upon a time.

[Terry Pratchett](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett.md) · [Witches Abroad](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/witches-abroad.md) · p. 1 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/witches-abroad/but-then-it-used.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Ridcully was simple-minded. This doesn't mean stupid. It just means that he could only think properly about things if he cut away all the complicated bits around the edges. (p. 297)

[Terry Pratchett](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett.md) · [Reaper Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/reaper-man.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/reaper-man/ridcully-was-simple-minded.md)

Topics: [thinking](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/thinking.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> I told you that your dream was a difficult one. '''It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary; only wise men are able to understand them.

[Paulo Coelho](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paulo-coelho.md) · [The Alchemist](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paulo-coelho/the-alchemist.md) · p. 15 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paulo-coelho/the-alchemist/i-told-you.md)

Topics: [wisdom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/wisdom.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> I have learned by some experience, by many examples, and by the writings of countless others before me, also occupied in the search, that certain environments, certain modes of life, certain rules of conduct are more conducive to inner and outer harmony than others. There are, in fact, certain roads that one may follow. Simplification of life is one of them.

[Anne Morrow Lindbergh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-morrow-lindbergh.md) · [Gift from the Sea](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-morrow-lindbergh/gift-from-the-sea.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-morrow-lindbergh/gift-from-the-sea/i-have-learned.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> I mean to lead a simple life, to choose a simple shell I can carry easily — like a hermit crab. But I do not. I find that my frame of life does not foster simplicity. My husband and five children must make their way in the world. The life I have chosen as a wife and mother entrains a whole caravan of complications.

[Anne Morrow Lindbergh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-morrow-lindbergh.md) · [Gift from the Sea](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-morrow-lindbergh/gift-from-the-sea.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-morrow-lindbergh/gift-from-the-sea/i-mean-to-lead.md)

Topics: [family](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/family.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few.

[Anne Morrow Lindbergh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-morrow-lindbergh.md) · [Gift from the Sea](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-morrow-lindbergh/gift-from-the-sea.md) · p. 114 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-morrow-lindbergh/gift-from-the-sea/one-cannot-collect.md)

Topics: [beauty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/beauty.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Everything in war is simple, but the simplest thing is difficult.

[Carl von Clausewitz](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz.md) · [On War](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz/on-war.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz/on-war/everything-in-war.md)

Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Dr. Hoenikker used to say that any scientist who couldn't explain to an eight-year-old what he was doing was a charlatan.

[Kurt Vonnegut](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut.md) · [Cat's Cradle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut/cats-cradle.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut/cats-cradle/dr-hoenikker-used.md)

Topics: [science](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/science.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> People who are bred, selected, and compensated to find complicated solutions do not have an incentive to implement simplified ones.

[Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb.md) · [Skin in the Game](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/skin-in-the-game.md) · p. 162 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/skin-in-the-game/people-who-are.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Simplicity is not so simple to attain.

[Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb.md) · [Antifragile](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/antifragile.md) · p. 11 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/antifragile/simplicity-is-not.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> I do not dispute that arguments should be simplified to their maximum... but people often confuse complex ideas that cannot be simplified into a media-friendly statement as symptomatic of a confused mind. ...MBAs tend to blow up in financial markets, as they are trained to simplify... beyond... requirement. (...I am myself the unhappy holder of the degree.)

[Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb.md) · [Fooled by Randomness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/fooled-by-randomness.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/fooled-by-randomness/i-do-not.md)

Topics: [media](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/media.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Art, it seems to me, should simplify. That, indeed, is very nearly the whole of the higher artistic process; finding what conventions of form and what detail one can do without and yet preserve the spirit of the whole — so that all that one has suppressed and cut away is there to the reader's consciousness as much as if it were in type on the page.

[Willa Cather](https://www.leafyquotes.com/willa-cather.md) · [Willa Cather On Writing](https://www.leafyquotes.com/willa-cather/willa-cather-on-writing.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/willa-cather/willa-cather-on-writing/art-it-seems.md)

Topics: [art](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/art.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> The higher processes are all processes of simplification. The novelist must learn to write, and then he must unlearn it; just as the modern painter learns to draw, and then learns when utterly to disregard his accomplishment, when to subordinate it to a higher and truer effect.

[Willa Cather](https://www.leafyquotes.com/willa-cather.md) · [Not Under Forty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/willa-cather/not-under-forty.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/willa-cather/not-under-forty/the-higher-processes.md)

Topics: [writing](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/writing.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Perhaps, when a man has special knowledge and special powers like my own, it rather encourages him to seek a complex explanation when a simpler one is at hand.

[Arthur Conan Doyle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/arthur-conan-doyle.md) · [The Return of Sherlock Holmes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/arthur-conan-doyle/the-return-of-sherlock-holmes.md) · p. 642 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/arthur-conan-doyle/the-return-of-sherlock-holmes/perhaps-when-a-man.md)

Topics: [intelligence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/intelligence.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> I like the copious, shapeless, warm, not so very clever, but extremely easy and rather coarse aspect of things; the talk of men in clubs and public-houses; of miners half naked in drawers — the forthright, perfectly unassuming, and without end in view except dinner, love, money and getting along tolerably; that which is without great hopes, ideals, or anything of that kind; what is unassuming except to make a tolerably, good job of it. I like all that.

[Virginia Woolf](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virginia-woolf.md) · [The Waves](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virginia-woolf/the-waves.md) · p. 246 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virginia-woolf/the-waves/i-like-the.md)

Topics: [life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/life.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> One of the most important things in this 'guess — compute consequences — compare with experiment' business is to know when you are right. It is possible to know when you are right way ahead of checking all the consequences. You can recognize truth by its beauty and simplicity. It is always easy when you have made a guess, and done two or three little calculations to make sure that it is not obviously wrong, to know that it is right. When you get it right, it is obvious that it is right — at least if you have any experience — because usually what happens is that more comes out than goes in. Your guess is, in fact, that something is very simple. If you cannot see immediately that it is wrong, and it is simpler than it was before, then it is right. The inexperienced, the crackpots, and people like that, make guesses that are simple, but you can immediately see that they are wrong, so that does not count. Others, the inexperienced students, make guesses that are very complicated, and it sort of looks as if it is all right, but I know it is not true because the truth always turns out to be simpler than you thought.

[Richard P. Feynman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-p-feynman.md) · [The Character of Physical Law](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-p-feynman/the-character-of-physical-law.md) · p. 171 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-p-feynman/the-character-of-physical-law/one-of-the.md)

Topics: [science](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/science.md), [truth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/truth.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> I have never in my life met a man like him for noble simplicity, and boundless truthfulness. I understood from the way he talked that anyone who chose could deceive him, and that he would forgive anyone afterwards who had deceived him, and that was why I grew to love him.

[Fyodor Dostoyevsky](https://www.leafyquotes.com/fyodor-dostoyevsky.md) · [The Idiot](https://www.leafyquotes.com/fyodor-dostoyevsky/the-idiot.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/fyodor-dostoyevsky/the-idiot/i-have-never.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md), [integrity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/integrity.md)

> Years ago, I interviewed a grieving mother whose adult son had died after a long illness. You could have heard a pin drop in the studio when she so beautifully told the story of their final moment together. The mother had climbed into bed with her son. She could barely hear him, but her head was on his chest. As he took his last breath, he whispered, "Oh Mom, it is all so simple. It's so simple, Mom." He then closed his eyes and died. I got chills when I heard that. I realized then, just as it resonates with me now: We allow life to get so complicated- when it's really so very simple. From that day forward I resolved to continually ask myself, How am I making things more difficult than they need to be? Your answer to that same question is the next step in your path. It's that simple. Imagine what lies just around the bend. Can you see it? I can. Love, Oprah.

[Oprah Winfrey](https://www.leafyquotes.com/oprah-winfrey.md) · [The Path Made Clear](https://www.leafyquotes.com/oprah-winfrey/the-path-made-clear.md) · p. 189 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/oprah-winfrey/the-path-made-clear/years-ago-i-interviewed.md)

Topics: [life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/life.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> 'Shitty things are always simple. Same as great things. Patrick Standish, in conversation.'

[Kingsley Amis](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kingsley-amis.md) · [Difficulties With Girls](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kingsley-amis/difficulties-with-girls.md) · p. 248 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kingsley-amis/difficulties-with-girls/shitty-things-are.md)

Topics: [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> There is, moreover, a certain simplicity of taste which goes straight to the heart; and this is only to be found in the classics. In oratory, poetry, and every kind of literature, Emile will find the classical authors as he found them in history, full of matter and sober in their judgment. The authors of our own time, on the contrary, say little and talk much. To take their judgment as our constant law is not the way to form our own judgment. These differences of taste make themselves felt in all that is left of classical times and even on their tombs. Our monuments are covered with praises, theirs recorded facts.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/there-is-moreover.md)

Topics: [literature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/literature.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Let the room be furnished with plain and solid furniture; no mirrors, china, or useless ornaments. My pupil Emile, who is brought up in the country, shall have a room just like a peasant's. Why take such pains to adorn it when he will be so little in it? I am mistaken, however; he will ornament it for himself, and we shall soon see how. But if, in spite of your precautions, the child contrives to do some damage, if he breaks some useful article, do not punish him for your carelessness, do not even scold him; let him hear no word of reproval, do not even let him see that he has vexed you; behave just as if the thing had come to pieces of itself; you may consider you have done great things if you have managed to hold your tongue.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/let-the-room.md)

Topics: [upbringing](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/upbringing.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Neither need you look for compliments from him; nor will he tell you what I have taught him to say; expect nothing from him but the plain, simple truth, without addition or ornament and without vanity. He will tell you the wrong things he has done and thought as readily as the right, without troubling himself in the least as to the effect of his words upon you; he will use speech with all the simplicity of its first beginnings.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/neither-need-you.md)

Topics: [honesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/honesty.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> We can do nothing simply, not even for our children. Toys of silver, gold, coral, cut crystal, rattles of every price and kind; what vain and useless appliances. Away with them all! Let us have no corals or rattles; a small branch of a tree with its leaves and fruit, a stick of liquorice which he may suck and chew, will amuse him as well as these splendid trifles, and they will have this advantage at least, he will not be brought up to luxury from his birth.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/we-can-do-nothing.md)

Topics: [children](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/children.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md), [play](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/play.md)

> The desire to explain what is simple by what is complex, what is easy by what is difficult, is a calamity affecting the whole body of science, known, it is true, to men of insight, but not generally admitted.

[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe.md) · [Maxims and Reflections](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/maxims-and-reflections.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/maxims-and-reflections/the-desire-to-explain.md)

Topics: [science](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/science.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)

> Walking is still the best form of short-distance transportation. It’s the most convenient, the cheapest, and the most healthful, Countless years of technological advance have not changed that.

[Isaac Asimov](https://www.leafyquotes.com/isaac-asimov.md) · [Prelude to Foundation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/isaac-asimov/prelude-to-foundation.md) · p. 43 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/isaac-asimov/prelude-to-foundation/walking-is-still.md)

Topics: [technology](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/technology.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md), [health](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/health.md)

> Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.

[Henry David Thoreau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henry-david-thoreau.md) · [Walden](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henry-david-thoreau/walden.md) · p. 18 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henry-david-thoreau/walden/most-of-the.md)

Topics: [consumerism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/consumerism.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md), [comfort](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/comfort.md)

> There is no problem so complicated that you can't find a very simple answer to it if you look at it right … Or put it another way, "The future of computer power is pure simplicity."

[Douglas Adams](https://www.leafyquotes.com/douglas-adams.md) · [The Salmon of Doubt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/douglas-adams/the-salmon-of-doubt.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/douglas-adams/the-salmon-of-doubt/there-is-no-problem.md)

Topics: [technology](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/technology.md), [simplicity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/simplicity.md)