On difficulty: Easy/Hard VS Simple/Complicated

15 Sep, 2023

The difficulty of a task can be classified on two different axis:

• Effort: Easy vs Hard. Effort includes discipline, focus, willpower. This one is about actual execution. Few people are willing to do hard tasks
• Knowledge: Simple vs Complicated. This is about expertise and knowing how to do the task. Few people are capable of performing complicated tasks.

So we have four kinds of tasks:

Here are some examples of each kind:

1. Easy and Simple:

• Scrolling Instagram
• Reading a short story with basic vocabulary.
• Tying your shoelaces

1. Easy and Complicated:

• Using advanced software with a user-friendly interface.
• Programming a computer
• Giving a medical diagnostic

1. Hard and Simple:

• Losing weight or getting fit
• Running a marathon
• Meditating for 30min every day

1. Hard and Complicated:

• Designing and building a computer from scratch
• Developing a comprehensive business strategy for a multinational corporation
• Performing intricate surgery that involves multiple procedures and delicate precision

#Philosophy #english