I was listening to a podcast (yes, I do that quite frequently!) and had my mind blown by a concept called “the second simplicity.” The idea is that we often start with a certain simplicity, then enter a state of complexity, and come out the other side with a second simplicity that is deeper and richer than where we began. This is a natural progression, but somehow having a name for it is very cool.
An example was offered of a fifth grader playing Beethoven’s “Fur Elise.” The student has learned the notes, the rhythm, and perhaps something about the form of the piece. Later, that piano student goes deeper into the complexity of music including the life of Beethoven, his style and contributions to the Romantic period. Perhaps more study would include harmony, structure, dynamics, phrasing, and personal expression. After deep study, the pianist returns to “Fur Elise” with a deeper appreciation of its beauty and is able to add wisdom to the performance. Same notes played, but how the music is enriched.
I googled this concept and learned that Oliver Wendell Holmes put it this way:
“I would not give a fig for the simplicity this side of complexity, but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity.”
All day, I was thinking about this as I cooked, cleaned, and tended to Saturday chores. I think the second simplicity certainly applies to motherhood (with grandmothering being the 2nd simplicity). I think it applies to teaching reading and writing, too. It’s another way of looking at anything we might struggle with or strive toward. Working through the complexity of the “messy middle” is usually rewarded with a profound sense of peace when there is an end to the striving. I love that now I have a name for that feeling–the second simplicity.
What do you think?
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pelicansandprose 
Oh wow, I’ve never heard of this concept and I’m grateful for the introduction here. Yes, it makes a lot of sense and I’m already scanning my brain for further examples. I wonder what kinds of reflection habits one needs to have to be able to register these differences over time. Second simplicity. I hope I can get back to that idea this month.
I think you are a great learner. Hear something and keep thinking about it. What you describe, Colleen Cruz refers to as “going down the rabbit hole”. It helps to name a thing. Naming allows us to keep it front of mind. And of course, with more knowledge, we can do better, like playing that piano piece. I think that is why I love learing about what motivates an author to write their book. I love learning the “back story”.
And thanks for sharing a podcast…going to check it out!
There is so much to consider in this Slice! Thank you…I will be contemplating my own “messy middle” to figure out the simplicities that reside on either side.
Thanks for sharing this idea! I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how naming something changes it. Hoping you may share the name of the podcast???
Thanks for introducing me to a new idea- second simplicity. Love these words your wrote- Working through the complexity of the “messy middle” is usually rewarded with a profound sense of peace when there is an end to the striving. In thinking about about times in my life, I do see that peace at the end of striving. Now I have a name for it.
Marilyn, you always make me think. I have never thought about that, and it will certainly have me thinking about the second simplicity. I am not at the grandmother stage yet, but I can certainly see the other side of motherhood also being the sitting back and watching and listening to my kids and the amazement of how much they have learned and the wonderful things they are doing. It definitely gives me a more positive mindset about this time in my life.
I love learning about this concept, and feel as if I have somehow known it , or been trying to, all along- dont you?! I am thinking of poets who write free verse that looks so effortless, and some of my favorite novelists who write clear, simple, spare prose but each word is right. I’m left pondering your idea about grandparenting being a second simplicity…
I think that you offered an excellent explanation and it made good sense to me. I love the examples of motherhood, reading, writing and teaching. Now, I won’t be able to get this out of my mind and will probably do some research of my own. Thank you!
A new term for me, Marilyn! We’ve been teaching our Kindergarteners about being in “the Learning Pit, ” and this feels quit similar in many ways. Have you read The Magical Yet? You might find another connection here — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQJj5WJrDBE.
Thanks, Christie!