The equation -=+ interpreted as “less is more,” is a succinct encapsulation of minimalism — a concept that has found resonance in philosophy, psychology, and pop culture. Its seemingly paradoxical nature invites reflection on how reducing complexity or excess can yield greater value, clarity, or meaning. I went on a bit of an explore this week…
Socrates — The Pursuit of Simplicity
The Socratic method, a hallmark of Socratic philosophy, focuses on distilling complex ideas to their simplest truths through questioning and dialogue. Socrates is famously quoted as saying:
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
This statement underscores a life pared down to its essential meaning through introspection and self-awareness. Socrates’ disdain for superfluous material wealth and his preference for a life of intellectual pursuit align with the idea that “less” (in terms of worldly possessions or unnecessary distractions) can lead to “more” (wisdom and fulfillment). This equation, in the Socratic sense, embodies the reduction of external excess to achieve inner clarity.
Freud — The Economy of the Psyche
Freud’s psychoanalytic theories often address the interplay between the conscious and unconscious mind, where simplicity arises as a goal for resolving internal conflict. His concept of the pleasure principle suggests that the psyche seeks to minimize tension and maximise pleasure. In this framework, “less is more” aligns with the idea that resolving repressed desires or reducing psychological clutter can result in greater mental well-being.
Freud’s theory of sublimation — the process of channeling complex, chaotic drives into productive, simplified outlets — also reflects the principle of -=+. For example, by focusing one’s creative energies on a single artistic endeavour, rather than dispersing them chaotically, a person might achieve a more profound sense of accomplishment and identity.
Salvador Dalí — Surrealism and the Illusion of Less and More
From Salvador Dalí’s surrealist perspective, the equation -=+ takes on a dreamlike, paradoxical quality, where “less is more” becomes both a provocation and a truth hidden in the subconscious. Dalí’s work often played with the tension between the minimal and the excessive, the real and the imagined, reflecting how simplicity can magnify complexity.
For example, in “The Persistence of Memory”, the sparse, barren landscape draws the viewer’s attention to the melting clocks, heightening their symbolic weight. The “less” in Dalí’s minimalist background amplifies the surreal drama of his focal elements, showing how simplicity in context can elevate meaning and evoke emotional and intellectual depth. This mirrors -=+ as a philosophy: reducing the background noise allows the essential elements to resonate more powerfully.
Dalí’s approach to psychoanalysis, heavily influenced by Freud, also aligns with the idea that diving into the unconscious often requires stripping away the distractions of the conscious world. His paintings distill the chaotic complexity of dreams into striking, singular images, using surrealism to uncover deeper truths. Dalí might interpret -=+ as a psychological equation, where stripping away the veneer of reality (the “less”) reveals the boundless world of the subconscious (the “more”).
Moreover, Dalí’s personal style often blended opulence with restraint. His flamboyant moustache and eccentric behaviour were complemented by his ability to focus intensely on the precision of his art, demonstrating that within his flamboyant personality was a discipline that embraced “less” to create “more.”
For Dalí, the equation could symbolise the interplay of minimalism and surrealism — a gateway to infinite possibilities hidden within simplicity.
Pop Culture — Minimalism as Power
In pop culture, the notion of “less is more” frequently manifests in design, storytelling, and personal identity. The minimalist design movement, championed by figures like Dieter Rams and echoed in the sleek aesthetics of Apple products, exemplifies how simplicity can convey sophistication and functionality. Rams’ ten principles of good design famously advocate for “less, but better,” reinforcing the equation’s cultural appeal.
In storytelling, shows like Breaking Bad or The Mandalorian illustrate how stripping narratives down to their core conflicts and relationships enhances emotional resonance. Similarly, fashion icons like Coco Chanel championed minimalist elegance with the advice to “take one thing off before you leave the house,” demonstrating how subtraction can enhance impact.
Music also echoes this ethos: the sparse arrangements in tracks by artists like Billie Eilish or the stripped-back acoustic sounds of early folk music use fewer elements to achieve profound emotional depth.
A Universal Truth
The equation -=+ as “less is more” weaves through the fabric of human understanding, from Socratic clarity to Freudian psychological balance, and the cultural pursuit of minimalism in art, design, and storytelling. Its power lies in its paradox: by embracing simplicity, we open the door to richness — of thought, emotion, and experience.
