As simple as possible but not simpler

Question

What is the meaning of this quote? Can anyone explain this with an example? Thanks in advance.

Marius Hancu · Accepted Answer

Don't oversimplify, don't reduce something to nothing.
Things need a minimum in order to operate properly.

CalifJim · Answer

I believe this is from Einstein, explaining how scientific phenomena should be described, although it is more universally applicable.

Simplify as much as you can, as long as you don't simplify so much that you lose the meaning of what you are simplifying.

CJ

Marius Hancu · Answer

Yes, Einstein.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

There's also the principle proposed by the philosopher William of Occam, called Occam's razor.

Basically, this says to always choose the simplest explanantion. For more details, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam's_Razor

A more modern and succinct approach is the K.I.S.S. principle - Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Best wishes, Clive

As simple as possible but not simpler

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