"There seems to be some perverse human characteristic that likes to make easy things difficult"

Warren Buffett’s observation highlights a central irony in human nature: people often complicate matters that should remain simple. Instead of embracing straightforward solutions, many are drawn to intricate, convoluted paths that add unnecessary difficulty. This behavior appears across countless fields, from investing and business management to daily life. At its core, this tendency may stem from psychological impulses such as the desire to feel intelligent or unique. Simplicity is sometimes perceived as naïve or even lazy, and therefore people over-engineer their actions to gain a sense of accomplishment or superiority.

In finance, Buffett himself advocates for clear, time-tested strategies like value investing, buying undervalued companies and holding them long-term. Yet, many market participants chase complex trading strategies, fall prey to speculative frenzies, or trust in elaborate financial instruments they barely understand. These choices rarely outperform the simpler methods and often result in worse outcomes. The drive to add complexity can be bolstered by industry incentives; financial advisors, consultants, and product creators often profit from making their services appear more sophisticated. Clients, wanting to feel they’re getting value, may even demand intricacy, mistaking complexity for expertise.

Human behavior is similarly affected. Whether it’s convoluted planning for weight loss, overthinking personal relationships, or creating bureaucratic hurdles at work, people unintentionally create barriers. There may be comfort in routines or systems, but too many rules and procedures stifle progress. Underlying it all is often fear, fear of failure, of being ordinary, of missing out. To compensate, people wrap the obvious in layers of justification, searching for hidden truths where none exist.

Ultimately, recognizing this tendency to complicate is valuable wisdom. Accepting simple, direct solutions requires humility and confidence. By acknowledging that straightforward answers are often the best, individuals and organizations can focus on what matters, save resources, and achieve better results with less friction. Simplicity, though undervalued, often holds the key to effectiveness and satisfaction.