while i agree that simple is better than complex, there is no absolute measurement nor definition for what simple is. and typically complex structures/foundatio

while i agree that simple is better than complex, there is no absolute measurement nor definition for what simple is. and typically complex structures/foundations are what we build simple on top of. if our medium of expression isn’t already complex enough, we risk accidental complexity. compare: sapienti pauca, a compact latin sentence which takes advantage of the complexity of latin grammar to say what may be translated into english as ‘a word to the wise is enough.’ there’s some poetic beauty in the latin sentence that adds to the force of the advice (it’s only two words after all). i don’t think we should avoid pithy expressions where the celebrate wonderful achievements (eg recursion) all in the name of sparing our audience some pain. no, write that compact code, please. we’re happy to spend time learning just as we’ve spent time learning and appreciating the works of masters of other fields.