40 Simplicity Quotes for a Happier, Calmer You

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Hey there, simplicity seekers! 🌿✨

Are you ready to discover the profound beauty and wisdom in keeping things simple?

We’ve compiled an inspiring collection of 40 quotes that celebrate the essence of simplicity in life, work, and nature.

These nuggets of wisdom from renowned thinkers, artists, and leaders will help you appreciate the elegance of the straightforward and the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Become inspired to live each day simply. See the full list here. Share your favorites!

1. Simplicity is a choice, a discrimination, a crystallization. Its object is purity.” — Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier, a pioneer in modern architecture, emphasizes the deliberate nature of simplicity. He views it as a refined and pure state, achieved through careful selection and focus.

2. “Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough.” — Charles Warner

Charles Warner, an American writer, compares life to a journey best traveled lightly. He suggests that simplicity involves carrying only what is necessary to maintain ease and comfort.

3. “Simplicity is the essence of happiness.” — Cedric Bledsoe

Cedric Bledsoe highlights the link between simplicity and true happiness. He suggests that by simplifying our lives, we can achieve a more joyful and content state.

4. “Simplicity is the outcome of technical subtlety. It is the goal, not the starting point.” — Maurice Saatchi

Maurice Saatchi, a British advertising mogul, views simplicity as the refined product of meticulous effort. He implies that achieving simplicity requires skillful and nuanced work.

5. “Simplicity means the achievement of maximum effect with minimum means.” — Koichi Kawana

Koichi Kawana, known for his landscape architecture, emphasizes efficiency through simplicity. He suggests that the most effective designs use minimal resources to create a significant impact.

6. “The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.” — Paulo Coelho

Brazilian author Paulo Coelho believes in the profound nature of simplicity. He suggests that wisdom allows us to recognize and appreciate the extraordinary in the simple.

7. “Simplicity is the final achievement.” — Frédéric Chopin

Frédéric Chopin, the renowned composer, sees simplicity as the pinnacle of artistic accomplishment. He implies that achieving true simplicity is a complex and ultimate goal.

8. “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” — Coco Chanel

Fashion icon Coco Chanel asserts that true elegance stems from simplicity. She suggests that the essence of sophistication lies in straightforward and uncluttered design.

9. “Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.” — John Maeda

John Maeda, a digital artist and designer, views simplicity as a process of refinement. He suggests that it involves removing the unnecessary while emphasizing what truly matters.

10. “Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.” — Plato

Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, connects simplicity with aesthetic beauty. He implies that the most harmonious and graceful styles are inherently simple.

11. “Simplicity is the law of nature for men as well as for flowers.” — Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau, an advocate for simple living, believes simplicity is a universal principle. He suggests that both humans and nature thrive on uncomplicated and straightforward living.

12. “To be simple is to be great.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American transcendentalist, equates simplicity with greatness. He implies that true excellence is found in a simple, uncluttered life.

13. “Simplicity is the soul of efficiency.” — Austin Freeman

Austin Freeman highlights the connection between simplicity and effective functioning. He suggests that efficiency is best achieved through straightforward and uncomplicated methods.

14. “Simplicity is not the goal. It is the by-product of a good idea and modest expectations.” — Paul Rand

Paul Rand, a graphic designer, sees simplicity as an outcome of thoughtful planning. He suggests that it naturally results from good ideas and realistic goals.

15. “Simplicity is the essence of universality.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi, a leader of simplicity and non-violence, believes that simplicity is universally applicable. He implies that its essence is broad and far-reaching, touching all aspects of life.

16. “Simplicity reveals the pure beauty of life.” — Debasish Mridha

Debasish Mridha, a philosopher and physician, believes simplicity uncovers life’s inherent beauty. He suggests that by simplifying, we can see life in its truest and most beautiful form.

17. “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” — Confucius

Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher, suggests that complexity is often self-imposed. He implies that life in its natural state is simple and straightforward.

18. “There is beauty in simplicity.” — Anonymous

This quote highlights the aesthetic value of simplicity. It suggests that the most beautiful things are often the simplest.

19. “Simplicity is the peak of civilization.” — Jessie Sampter

Jessie Sampter, a Zionist pioneer, sees simplicity as the highest form of societal development. She implies that true civilization is marked by an embrace of simple living.

20. “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Clare Boothe Luce

Clare Boothe Luce, an American author and politician, equates simplicity with the highest level of sophistication. She suggests that the most refined state is one of simplicity.

21. “Simplicity is the glory of expression.” — Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman, an American poet, believes that simplicity enhances expression. He suggests that clear and simple communication is the most powerful.

22. “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” — Hans Hofmann

Hans Hofmann, a German-American painter, views simplification as a process of focusing on essentials. He suggests that removing the superfluous allows the important to shine through.

23. “The simplest things give me ideas.” — Joan Miró

Joan Miró, a Spanish painter, finds inspiration in simplicity. He suggests that the most basic elements can spark creativity and ideas.

24. “The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” — Plato

Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, equates true wealth with contentment in simplicity. He implies that having little yet being satisfied is the highest form of richness.

25. “Keep it simple, stupid.” — Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson, an aerospace engineer, advocates for straightforward simplicity. He suggests that the best designs and ideas are those that are kept uncomplicated.

26. “Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.” — Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., believes that the highest sophistication is found in simplicity. He implies that the most advanced and refined designs are inherently simple.

27. “Out of clutter, find simplicity.” — Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein, the theoretical physicist, suggests finding simplicity amidst chaos. He implies that clarity and simplicity can emerge from complexity.

28. “Less is more.” — Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a pioneer of modern architecture, reflects the essence of minimalist design. He suggests that simplicity and restraint lead to greater impact.

29. “Simplicity and repose are the qualities that measure the true value of any work of art.” — Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright, an influential architect, believes that simplicity and calmness define art’s true value. He suggests that these qualities elevate artistic works.

30. “In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, an American poet, values simplicity across all aspects of life. He implies that the highest form of excellence is found in simplicity.

31. “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance polymath, asserts that true sophistication lies in simplicity. He implies that the most advanced thinking is inherently simple.

32. “The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” — William James

William James, an American philosopher, equates wisdom with the ability to simplify. He suggests that discernment and focus are key to wisdom.

33. “In simplicity, there is truth.” — River Phoenix

River Phoenix, an American actor, believes that simplicity reveals truth. He implies that the most honest and clear realities are simple.

34. “Simplicity is a state of mind.” — Charles Wagner

Charles Wagner, a French pastor, sees simplicity as a mental approach to life. He suggests that adopting a simple mindset leads to clarity and peace.

35. “Simplicity is a great element of good breeding.” — Fanny Kemble

Fanny Kemble, a British actress and writer, associates simplicity with refinement and good manners. She implies that true elegance comes from a simple approach.

36. “Clutter and confusion are failures of design, not attributes of information.” — Edward Tufte

Edward Tufte, a statistician and professor, criticizes complexity in design. He suggests that effective design is simple and clear, avoiding clutter.

37. “Nature is pleased with simplicity. And nature is no dummy.” — Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton, the famous physicist, believes that nature operates on simple principles. He implies that simplicity is a fundamental and intelligent aspect of the natural world.

38. “Simplicity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest.” — Leo Babauta

Leo Babauta, an author and simplicity advocate, outlines a straightforward approach to simplification. He suggests focusing on what is essential and removing the unnecessary.

39. “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci emphasizes that the highest sophistication is found in simplicity. He suggests that true refinement is achieved through simple elegance.

40. “The simplest things are often the truest.” — Richard Bach