We all use the phrase “simply beautiful”, or “the beauty of simplicity”, and I think it captures the delight we feel when something makes sense. When we understand, when we see clearly, it feels good. And when that happens easily and effortlessly then I think we find the beauty in simplicity.
We don’t say “complexly beautiful” or talk about “the beauty of complexity” but, why not?
When I looked at this Nigella flower and took this photo I was entranced by both the beauty and the complexity of this plant.
Look at it. Look at those spiky stems reaching out in every direction like whiskers or feelers or even roots. Look at the varied intensities of colour in the leaves. Would it really capture the colours and shades to say “it’s purple”? Applying such a simple, single label can stop us from really seeing. Look at the colours and shapes of the pistils in the middle.
Honestly, I find this little flower astonishing. I can’t begin to imagine how it evolved to have each of these characteristics. I find myself in awe of its beauty and I feel the delights of both wonder and admiration.
All living organisms, humans, other animals, plants and so on are “complex adaptive systems”. They aren’t simple but they are beautiful, astonishing and wondrous.
Heroes Not Zombies 
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