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Episode 144 | CUTTING IT UP WITH OCCAM'S RAZOR


This episode is sponsored by Katy Jordan

Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler. Albert Einstein

In last week's show, I talked about one of the most effective time management techniques of all - Time Blocking. Popular with billionaires like Elon Musk and Bill Gates, Time blocking forces you to fill up free time with pre-commitments and a plan of action as doing so prevents you from wasting precious time on a task that could be finished quicker. If you want to know more, go back and listen.


Today though I’m talking all about Occam's Razor, also known as the principle of parsimony, - a problem-solving and reasoning principle that suggests that the simplest explanation or solution is often the most likely to be correct. It is named after the philosopher and theologian William of Ockham who simply said "Plurality should not be posited without necessity."


This is the fundamental statement underlying Occam's Razor. It suggests that when faced with multiple explanations or hypotheses, the simplest one should be preferred unless there is compelling evidence to choose otherwise.


If you are having trouble twisting your melon around this one, then here are a couple of examples.


  • Imagine you misplaced your keys and can't find them. Instead of assuming elaborate scenarios like someone stealing them or complex hiding places, you would first apply Occam's Razor. You would start by considering the simplest explanation: perhaps you left them in a common location like your bag, on a table, or in a usual spot. By first exploring the most straightforward and likely possibilities, you save time and effort before considering more complex explanations.

  • Another example: When faced with heavy traffic during your commute, Occam's Razor can help you determine the cause. Instead of attributing it to elaborate reasons like a major accident or a conspiracy to slow you down, you would consider the simplest explanation: typical rush hour congestion. By recognizing that heavy traffic is a common occurrence during certain times, you can avoid unnecessary frustration and accept it as a natural consequence of peak travel periods.


These everyday examples demonstrate how Occam's Razor encourages us to prioritize simpler explanations before jumping to complex or extraordinary ones. By defaulting to the simplest and most likely explanation, we can make more efficient decisions and avoid unnecessary complexities.

Entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity. William of Ockham

This paraphrase of Occam's Razor underscores the principle that unnecessary complexity should be avoided. When attempting to explain or understand a phenomenon, it is advisable to avoid introducing additional elements or assumptions unless absolutely necessary.


You’ve probably heard the phrase "The simplest explanation is usually the correct one." And this quote captures the essence of Occam's Razor, emphasizing that simplicity often leads to truth. When confronted with competing explanations, the one that requires the fewest assumptions or complexities is more likely to be accurate. This is all part of critical thinking of course, which I’ve been touching upon this in various episodes this season.


Karl Popper, a philosopher of science, echoed the sentiment of Occam's Razor in this quote. "All other things being equal, the simplest solution is the best." When evaluating competing theories or hypotheses, the one that is simpler and requires fewer additional assumptions is generally favored as the superior option.


Even Leonardo da Vinci got in on this one when he said that "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Though not specifically about Occam's Razor, this aligns with the principle's core idea. It suggests that simplicity is a mark of elegance and refinement, and in problem-solving or explanation, it can lead to greater clarity and understanding.


In short, Occam's Razor encourages critical thinking, skepticism, and the pursuit of elegant, straightforward explanations. When thinking critically, Occam’s Razor reminds us to prioritize simplicity and avoid unnecessary complexity when analyzing and making sense of the world around us.

Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.Isaac Newton

So, Occam's Razor, with its elegant simplicity, acts as a guiding principle that cuts through the tangled webs of complexity and urges us to embrace the simplest explanations. In a world filled with countless possibilities and intricate theories, Occam's Razor sharpens our minds to differentiate the essential from the superfluous, revealing the beauty and efficiency that lie within the realm of simplicity. By embracing Occam's Razor, we unlock the power to unravel puzzles, make sound judgments, and navigate the complexities of life with razor-sharp clarity.


Thanks again for listening to the show, I hope you are getting something out of it. If you are enjoying the show, please do engage with me on social media about it and if you have not done so already, we’ve not had a review in a long time, please leave the show a review on Apple Podcasts. I’d greatly appreciate it.


In the meantime, let me end with a quote from Steve Jobs, which kinda goes along with all this. He said That's been one of my mantras - focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.



Now take control of your own destiny, keep on shootin’ and join me next week on FILM PRO PRODUCTIVITY AND SUCCESS!


• The music you can hear right now is Adventures by A Himitsu

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SPONSOR: Katy Jordan


Thanks: A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu

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