# My First Principle in Life: Less Is More

Reflections on focus, the circle of competence, growth, and making room for what matters most.

Canonical: https://samanhappy.com/en/writing/less-is-more
Language: en
Built by: Saman
Last updated: 2023-04-04

English translation of my Chinese article originally published on WeChat on 2023-04-04. The account below preserves the original context.
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/sEVu35lWgPZp2qFAPm3Nfw


Less is more is the only antidote to the complexity of the world. In the end, we will make peace with ourselves.

A good programmer is measured not by how much code they write, but by how much they delete.

There are two kinds of traders: those who follow every stream of information each day, afraid of missing something, and those who identify the key factors and focus only on those.

The 80/20 rule is everywhere. Less is more means finding that vital 20 percent.

In the pursuit of learning, something is added each day. In the pursuit of the Way, something is relinquished each day. Less and less, until one reaches non-action; through non-action, nothing is left undone.

Continually resisting entropy is a lifelong challenge.

Less is more means focusing on your Circle of Competence: acknowledging your ignorance in most areas while continuing to expand that circle slowly.

Less is more means finding your unique talents and abilities, then staying with them. If you have found the right ones, staying the course is often easier.

Less is more means staying in the growth zone. The comfort zone is too inefficient; the panic zone is too overwhelming.

Less is more does not mean wanting nothing. It means pursuing only what matters most, such as health and relationships.

The great Way is simple; all methods converge on one. The person of integrity attends to the fundamentals; once the foundation is established, the Way emerges. Find the first principles.

Less is more is a strategy, not a goal. We still need both body and mind, both career and family.

One true confidant is enough for a lifetime.

Rereading a classic several times is far more valuable than reading several more ordinary books.

Live in the present. Meditate. Stillness gives rise to wisdom.

Do fewer meaningless things. Try to live authentically and with clarity, because life is worth it.