Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication Sameeksha Chadha UPSC Preparation Thu, Feb 10, 2022, at ,10:30 PM Leonardo da Vinci quote 'Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication' stands as an inspiration throughout the generation. He is an epitome,how in a single lifetime, a person can achieve and perform in versatile fields of Art and Science. ‘Simplicity’ is used to define ‘the simple nature of a person and things which are not compounded.’ ‘Sophistication’,on the other hand,defines ‘a high-level and complex nature of a thing or person.’ Simplicity and Sophistication are the two common essential characteristics among all known persons like Gautam Buddha, Ashoka, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and many more. While both these qualities are poles apart, they are interconnected. Nature presents a perfect example to the quote, “Simplicity is Ultimate Sophistication”. A simple life is the one surrounded by nature and peace. But sometimes, simplicity is understood as ease of doing things. Ease of doing things is the mother of numerous inventions. Starting with the 'wheels' and progressing towards 'a tech driven world', human inventions have given birth to simple yet complicated life. Humans tend to engulf their lives into complicated processes. These processes can be ‘growth orientated’ and source of ‘redefinition’. Yet, these complicated inventions like ‘artificial intelligence’ and ‘nano-technology’ and lifestyles couldn't achieve the goal of a sophisticated mind set. Leonardo da Vinci's most famous and globally praised painting ‘Mona Lisa’ is an exemplary example. It reflects how, ‘Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication.’ Mona Lisa has been studied and interpreted by various photographers, authors, painters and many more, yet the real meaning lies coded. One such interpretation states that Mona Lisa is made in the ‘Portrait Mode’. A ‘Portrait Mode’ is one, where the background stands blurred, in order to make the main object more highlighted. This reflects the deep thinking of Vinci and how it takes a lots of hard work to achieve it.One has to go through the depth of complexities to become or to make anything simple.One aspect of 'Simplicity' is 'to gain a deep understanding of our surroundings and not mere seeing them.' The other aspect of ‘Simplicity’ is ‘minimalism’,that is ‘purposeful elimination or subtraction and not accidental omission.’ In simple terms,one can lead a simple life only if it is ‘purposeful and free from complicated and unnecessary things,processes and people.’The elimination of a person or things should always be purposeful,that is only after a careful examination and observation of the consequences, needs of such a person or thing.The purposes behind such elimination can vary from an individual to another individual. In order to achieve both these aspects,one has to develop the intrinsic understanding of life and things affecting him directly and indirectly. ‘Sophistication’ is often considered to be related to a ‘high class or caste who have a luxurious lifestyle and high financial assets.’ This interpretation is one sided and hence,impartial and incomplete.Sophistication can also be related to the ‘state of mind’ of an individual required to sustain in the society.The state of mind is not necessarily related to the class of the person or the caste. “A sophisticated mind and a rich lifestyle” are two different aspects of an individual which are often mixed up.Sophisticated mind demands the “thinking for all and not for one.” It requires the thinker to adopt an analytical and neutral approach towards the surroundings.A sophisticated mind always works on the ethics required and showcases the qualities like of leadership,empathetic,learner,discipline,dedicated and many more.One true interpretation of sophistication is ‘Simplicity’,which beautifully reflects the connection between the two concepts. The connection between simplicity and sophistication can be understood by popular gadgets and technology in different fields which are modeled for “simple lives which can be led in a sophisticated way.” An exemplary example of,how the elimination of unnecessary things like,in this case of a phone,the elimination of unnecessary buttons led to the invention of a world designs.The goal behind any design is to make such a gadget or tool which is simple for the human hands to use and sophisticated at the same time and yet to develop any simple and sophisticated design,the process involved is of complex nature. This example shows that to achieve a simple and sophisticated life there involves a complicated process of “Thinking,Understanding,Observing and Implementing.”Another example of Mahatma Gautam Buddha,connects us with how “Simplicity is the Unique Sophistication.” He left his throne of Kapilvastu,only to wander for six years before he attained Sambodhi,that is,supreme knowledge.His choice of a hard life over a luxurious life which led to the foundation of “Buddhism” reflects the need of an intrinsic understanding of life in order to make it sophisticated and simple.In the contemporary world,Buddhism stands as the one of the most ‘peaceful and simple religion’ in the world.Its simplicity,in terms of practise,tradition,offerings and other cultural aspects drives as the ‘attracting force’.It has helped people who were burdened with the complicated life to lead a sophisticated and simple life. A ‘Simple Life’ tends to be the first preference for the human life,but the demand of the society is of a sophisticated mind.For only a sophisticated mind can tackle the vulnerabilities of the society without the ‘veil of complexities’ and bend its routes towards growth.The world has witnessed various examples from different cultures and backgrounds like King Priyadarshani Ashoka,Kabir Das,Mahavir,Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Mother Teresa,Mahatma Gandhi and Steve Jobs who have achieved tremendous success by following a simple life path and a sophisticated mindset..The role model,for many,King Ashoka is a paradigm of “how impactful a simple life and sophisticated mind is for the society.”.He who ruled over India and possessed wealth,fame,power and position,all in one life decoded the beauty of simplicity.The Kalinga War is not only significant for the reason,that it was first and last attempt of an North Indian King to capture a territory in South India but for its “impact on Ashoka.”After the destruction and deaths witnessed by Ashoka in this war,he understood the “complexities of life is futile.” The war impacted the thought process and mind of the King,who later followed the path of Dharma.Ashoka realized that “he can rule his kingdom without engaging his people in wars and by promoting peace.” This realization motivated Ashoka to work for the spread of the message of love,non-violence,dharma and satya, that is ‘truth across and beyond the Indian territories.’Ashoka made the world learn an important message that “Minds full of moral ethics and a life of simplicity can set up a moral society which will directly and indirectly influence the other aspects of the country.” Simplicity is the key pathway for a stable society full with sophisticated minds and even a simple focused life aids in the achievement of the human goals.Over the years of the existence, the world have witnessed various personalities from diversified fields from Leonardo da Vinci to Steve Jobs,who today stands as an epitome and guides the world towards the path of simplicity.The definition of ‘simplicity’,today stands as ‘non-complicated and focused life with minimalistic approach towards goals for a sophisticated life.’The viewpoint towards the concept of ‘sophistication’ needs to be turned towards a mindset which ‘thinks for all and not for one’ and works on ‘ethical grounds’.The unique blend of ‘Simplicity and Sophistication’ have molded and will keep on molding the society to fulfill its moral obligations and needs.