Complexity defines everything we know about life and everything we DON”T know. Complexity often defies reason. Complexity routinely flies in the face of convention. Complexity is a part of every organism, every ecological system, every biological system, every political system, every theological system, every economic system . . . every system in this world and out of this world.
More people than I care to acknowledge treat life as if complexity were a set of simple connections and relationships that are easily defined and manipulated. Very often when people refuse to take into account the complexity involved in life, they reduce life’s inherent challenges to a set of formulaic outlines designed to create order. For the most part, that approach works until it doesn’t. When it doesn’t work, it is typically because the outlines employed stop addressing the complexity of the issues at hand. You see, life is full of complexity and all too often, the simplistic approach misses the mark.
When we pay attention to complexity we find that it:
- Invites discussion, dialogue and debate
- Takes into consideration the ideas and perspectives of others
- Reveals hidden connections that are not obvious
- Poses questions never before asked
- Acknowledges that what we know pales in comparison to what we don’t know
- Separates the wise from the foolish
I get it! I understand what is behind the use of simplistic approaches to life. Sometimes when we truly contemplate the complexity of life, we find ourselves burdened by the weight of the uncertain. When that happens we are more apt to buy into simplistic formulas and answers. When we buy into the simplistic we narrow our horizons and possibilities.
I believe that dealing honestly with complexity and being brave enough to embrace its challenges is the only way to really find solutions to our shared problems.
I encourage you to take stock of how often you eschew the complexities of life for the simplistic. What would it hurt to ponder the complex when you are tempted to go with the simplistic? Give it a try!
Peace!
Mark E. Hundley
