Complicated problems rarely require magical explanations

One clue that someone doesn't understand a problem is that they need a large number of variables and factors to explain it.

On the other hand, turning a complex situation into something overly simple is an even more common way of demonstrating ignorance of how the system works.

What we're looking for isn't the number of countable variables. It's the clarity of thought. The coherence of the explanation. The ability to have that explanation hold water even if small inputs change. The explanation might be long, but it makes sense.

Too often, the overly simplistic explanation is just a form of hand waving. We beg the question because we mention the simple explanation plus the miracle. It's the miracle, the homunculus, the little man in the machine, that actually holds the answer, and punting on explaining it is lazy. We use magic to kick the explanation down the road, making it not simple, but obtuse.

[Examples: Magical faeries. Conspiracy theories. Science denialism. Simplistic views of marketing or culture...]

A useful description is one that can be tested, expanded and makes accurate predictions. A lazy one just makes us feel better until we actually have to engage with the system in a useful way.

It's entirely possible that you're trying to work with a complicated system, one that can't be boiled down to a simple catch phrase. That's okay. Clarity is still possible.

If you've committed to only working in systems that are simple enough to be explained in sixty seconds on cable news, you've opted out of making the impact you're capable of.

       

from Seth Godin's Blog on marketing, tribes and respect http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/294499314/0/sethsblog~Complicated-problems-rarely-require-magical-explanations.html