Every Friday, I share with you one principle that has inspired me.
In this episode, I share with you one principle by Sir Isaac Newton: “Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.”
In our daily life, we have to make multiple decisions daily. It becomes really hard when you don’t have any key points based on what you will make that particular decision. Our understanding of the world around us is largely shaped by the core principles we have accepted. Principles recognize what is true and help us apply truth to new or unknown situations. A good set of principles will enable us to make decisions quickly, even if our situation is completely new.
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Welcome to Principles Friday, where I share one principle that can help you in your life and business.
Today we have on the show Sir Isaac Newton, and his principle is on simplicity.
He once said: “Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.”
What a powerful principle.
Sir Isaac Newton was a renowned scientist and mathematician who is best known for his contributions to the fields of physics and mathematics, particularly his laws of motion and his development of calculus.
A principle that is often associated with Newton is the idea of "simplicity," or the idea that the best explanations and solutions to problems are often the simplest ones. This principle is reflected in his laws of motion, which describe the behavior of objects in terms of simple mathematical equations, and in his development of calculus, which allowed for the precise calculation of quantities that were previously difficult to measure.
However, to be fair, the idea of simplicity dates even back to the 13th century with William of Ockham's, a philosopher who coined a principle that states that, when presented with multiple explanations for a phenomenon, the simplest explanation is usually the correct one. This principle is often used in science and other fields as a way of guiding decision-making and problem-solving. It is also known as Occam’s Razor.
“You have a headache?”, “Oh no… you might have the Black Death!” Sure, it's true that one of the symptoms of the Black Death is a headache but, using Occam's razor, it's obviously much more likely that you're dehydrated or suffering from a common cold.
In business, Occam's Razor can be applied in a variety of ways. For example, when faced with a complex business problem, it can be helpful to break it down into its component parts and consider the most straightforward and parsimonious solution. This approach can help to minimize unnecessary complexity and focus on the most important factors that need to be addressed.
Another way that Occam's razor can be applied in business is in the decision-making process. When faced with multiple options, it can be helpful to consider which option is the simplest and most straightforward, as it is likely to be the most efficient and cost-effective solution.
For example, a company may be considering two different marketing strategies for a new product: a comprehensive and costly campaign that involves multiple channels and tactics, or a more focused and streamlined approach that targets a specific audience. By applying Occam's razor, the company may decide that the simpler and more focused approach is the better option, as it is likely to be more effective and efficient than the more complex alternative.
That concludes it for this Friday.
Remember: “Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.”
Have a great weekend.