Unravel the allure of complexity and its surprising appeal in the marketplace. Discover how intricate designs and sophisticated concepts captivate consumers, driving sales and shaping trends. Delve into the psychology behind this phenomenon and its impact on modern commerce.

Why do complexity and length sell when simplicity and brevity will do?

Simplicity feels like an easy walk

  • Complexity feels like mental CrossFit
  • If the reps don’t hurt when you’re exercising, you’re not really exercising
  • Pain is the sign of progress that tells you you’re paying the unavoidable cost of admission.
  • Short and simple communication is different

Length is often the only thing that can signal effort and thoughtfulness

Length indicates the author has spent more time thinking about a topic than you have, which can be the only data point signaling they might have insight you don’t.

  • Things you don’t understand create a mystique around people who do
  • Complexity gives a comforting impression of control, while simplicity is hard to distinguish from cluelessness

Once a characteristic is lost, it’s lost forever

Williston once recognized that no body part, once lost to evolution, will ever come back

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