The principle of subtraction: adding by taking away

Less is more--

The Art of Adding by Taking Away
" . . . The author of “The Laws of Subtraction” says that success often comes from knowing what to leave out of a project or situation. -  "“To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, subtract things every day,” it said, capsulizing teachings of Lao Tzu. “Profit comes from what is there, usefulness from what is not there.”. . .  While it hadn’t occurred to me to use subtraction in my own job, I realized that it is at the root of many professions. Scientists, mathematicians and engineers search for theories that explain highly complex phenomena in stunningly simple ways. Musicians and composers use pauses in the music — silence — to create dramatic tension. Athletes and dancers search for maximum impact with minimal effort. Filmmakers, novelists and songwriters strive to tell simple stories that foster both multiple meanings and universal resonance. The principle of subtraction carries over to the corporate world. . . . " Read the full story here.

Matthew E. May is the author of “The Laws of Subtraction: 6 Simple Rules for Winning in the Age of Excess Everything.” A version of this article appeared in print on January 20, 2013, on page BU7 of the New York edition of the New York Times with the headline: The Art Of Adding Through Taking Away.

Tweet    Follow @johnmpoole