Can complexity hide simplicity?

Question

Can complexity hide simplicity, can a complexe problem hide from view a simple solution?

And the other way around,
Con simplicity hide complexity, can a seemingly simple thing be sheilding from view an extremely complex workings.

Please explain your reasonings.

Serious answers only.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I prefer to believe that simplicity hide a very complex background. In architecture for example a very simplistic building is full of theory behind but a complex buildings in some way is complex to hide the imperfections or a unresolved design. The great legacy of the Modern architecture is creating a good design extracting all the elements that are not necessary. Is you study Le Courbusier or Mies you will understand this ability from the masters. The Austrian architect Adolf Loof one time say that decoration is a crime (to be an extremist on this believes) but I prefer the one that say that Gods is on the details.
:-)

Answer 2

Absolutely. Politicians and all manner of hucksters use complexity to mask what is really going on. Education sometimes dwells on the most difficult solutions possible, when a much simpler answer is there. In Science, more often than not, the simplest answer is the answer. There is also the "forest for the trees". Sometimes we dwell on the most circuitous methods and issues, when if we just looked objectively we could see the "simple truth".
As for the reverse, athletes make the complex look simple every day.

Answer 3

When complexity becomes a routine (like the modern day life), the simplicity merely 'slips' out of normal view.
And simple does not mean easy !
A small kid can join the thumb and index finger, push the part folded tongue inside, and blow out a little air, letting out a shrill whistle. Simple enough, the fingers, the tongue & air, but not quite easy ! Many adults (like me) have been struggling quite enviously for years !
And , the present day life pattern has 'reduced' us to be level of first complicating a thing first and then doing it !

Answer 4

Have you heard this : " KISS " it means "keep it simple stupid " . Complexity is lack of solution know-how , complexity leads to more problems ...
Always maintain simplicity even for the most complex a problem .

Answer 5

Yes. It is the basic principle behind a new science called Emergence.

Answer 6

This happens all the time in advanced mathematics; and according to Mandelbrot, everywhere else in the world that involves scaling.

Answer 7

all i know is that you wouldnt have any idea of what complex is without the simple and vice versa.

Answer 8

Yes, it goes both ways. Just look at fractals.

Or, for that matter, politics.