This week I was reminded in conversation about one of my favorite quotes attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes which states: “I wouldn't give a fig for simplicity on this side of complexity, but I would give my life for simplicity on the far side of complexity.” I've long liked this quote because it speaks to me of making the effort to get through the tough stuff for the reward and enjoyment that comes when you succeed. There is a greater appreciation for the things that we are able to uncover and discover through exploration. But the application of this quote to life is something that gets richer with time. We can allow our experiences to take us to a place of understanding and in the understanding of how things are related there is a simplicity. But it takes time nurtured by intention to learn and to understand and to apply insights and wisdom. Simplicity lies on either side of complexity, however, it is a complexity that will reveal a simplicity that can be appreciated in its fullness. And understanding at a level to be able to see and appreciate simplicity is valuable. Yes, fullness comes through all the understanding we gain along the way.
