When people talk about simplicity and simplifying, I wonder if they’re not looking for the cousin of simplicity instead. Dissolution. Dissolving seems to be a fairly refreshing activity. Dissolving an LLC that you haven’t used. Dissolving a friendship that doesn’t serve either of the former friends.
Nassim Taleeb often uses the phrase: “via negativa” and the Silver Rule, which states: “Do NOT do to me as you would NOT want done to you.” Add by subtracting. If you think about all of this and let it sit with you for a while, it can get you rather excited. It’s like the feeling of seeing the street you were looking for, for some time, finally pop up. You’re not there yet, but you’re on the right way.
Simplification occurs through the act of dissolution. It seems the activity itself is the cathartic part in all of this. Ridding yourself of old possessions. Ridding yourself of bills or a house that no longer suits you. Ridding yourself of commitments and restraints and old judgments latched onto your psyched. Slicing your Shadow in half and banishing him.
Simplifying should take care of itself. Aim to dissolve. Aim to subtract.