<p class="ql-block">The Art of Appearing Simple: A Revelation from Thesis Judging</p><p class="ql-block"> </p><p class="ql-block">Picture this: I'm sitting in the hot seat as a judge for 13 master's thesis defenses today. Each presentation unfolds like a complex tapestry of research, theories, and data. But here's the kicker—when it's my turn to offer feedback, I find myself distilling each intricate piece of work into just a handful of sentences. It's as if I've stumbled upon a hidden code, a secret key that unlocks the essence of these elaborate studies with the simplest of phrases. And that got me thinking: there's a whole lot more to simplicity than meets the eye.</p><p class="ql-block"> </p><p class="ql-block">As I wolfed down my breakfast of rice porridge and a salted duck egg this morning, I was reminded of an age - old adage, "Less is more." This isn't just some cliché; it's a profound truth that's been echoed by philosophers, artists, and thinkers throughout history. Leonardo da Vinci once said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication," and I couldn't agree more. It's not about being basic or unadorned; it's about achieving a state of elegance and clarity that comes only through true understanding and refinement.</p><p class="ql-block"> </p><p class="ql-block">You know what they say, "The wisest minds often seem simple." It's a concept that's as timeless as it is profound. Think about it—true wisdom isn't about showing off how much you know or complicating things for the sake of appearing intelligent. It's about cutting through the noise, distilling complex ideas into their purest form, and presenting them in a way that's accessible and impactful.</p><p class="ql-block"> </p><p class="ql-block">Take today, for example. Those 13 theses were filled with dense jargon, convoluted arguments, and mind - boggling data. But by focusing on the core messages, the underlying themes, and the most significant contributions, I was able to offer feedback that was both concise and meaningful. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful words are the ones that are spoken with the greatest simplicity.</p><p class="ql-block"> </p><p class="ql-block">And it wasn't just about the thesis defenses. That simple breakfast of mine, a meal that could easily be overlooked in its modesty, was a perfect illustration of this principle. In a world that's constantly bombarding us with excess—from information overload to material possessions—it's easy to forget the beauty and value of simplicity. But as I savored each bite of that rice porridge and relished the rich flavor of the salted duck egg, I realized that there's something incredibly satisfying about keeping things simple.</p><p class="ql-block"> </p><p class="ql-block">So, here's to the art of appearing simple, to the wisdom that lies beneath the surface, and to the beauty that can be found in the most unassuming of things. Because as it turns out, sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most profound, and the wisest among us are the ones who know how to abrazar (Spanish, /aˈβɾa.θar/, meaning to hold someone closely in one's arms; to accept or support something willingly and enthusiastically) that simplicity with grace and elegance.</p>