Many of us have heard the phrase: "Simplicity is worse than theft." The meaning of this saying is little understood, although in reality everything is very simple.
The meaning of the word "simplicity"
Do you know what simplicity is? This word has several meanings that are fundamentally different from each other in meaning. One more thing is interesting: simplicity can be both a positive quality of a person, and negative. Everything is very individual here. No wonder they say: "Be simpler, and people will reach for you." But it's not always the case.
In fact, at times simplicity is worse than theft. The meaning here does not need to be sought somewhere deeply - everything is elementary. A simpleton is that person who does not realize his vital interests, principles, values - they are not. It is simple not in the sense that it can be easily understood, it makes contact without unnecessary difficulties, quickly finds a common language with other people. This is a completely different simplicity, regarded as a positive quality. The simpletons mentioned above look at all things too simply. Take someone else's - and what? Is it an immoral act to offend someone ? To put it incorrectly - what's so bad about that? And these are just flowers. Such simplicity is worse than theft. The point here is just that.
Interpretation of the expression
It is worth talking in more detail about why simplicity is worse than theft. In general, when can I pronounce this phrase? In what cases will it be appropriate? Usually they say so to that person whose simple-mindedness brings only trouble and harm to those around him. Roughly speaking, when its quality is harmful to others.
Others interpret this expression as follows: if a person stole something from someone - this is an isolated case, but simplicity is reflected in his whole life. And well, if only on him. Simplicity also applies to the lives of people surrounding the simpleton.
The bottom line is in comparison
So, why the proverb believes that simplicity is worse than theft - this is clear. However, now it’s worthwhile to understand why the comparison is made with theft. After all, there are many other crimes - hooliganism, fraud, more terrible things ... But theft was chosen. And there is a definite explanation for this.
Everyone knows that theft is not the best that can be. But in it, like in any other unpleasant act, there are two sides. After all, as they say, each stick has two ends. Similarly, in the case of simplicity. More precisely, in the case of acts committed by a simpleton. But how to react to what he did if all of this we ourselves define "simplicity"? The fact is that, justifying a person in this way, we disarm ourselves and make it impossible to gain experience in dealing with similar personalities. Allegedly, it was in its simplicity that he stumbled. In other words, we relieve the other person of responsibility for what he has done. So it turns out that simplicity is worse than theft. The point is that the second is punishable by law, and the first can be "understood and forgiven." Although even in this case it can be said that a person still stole something. He simply took away the experience that could be gained in communicating with him.
How many people, so many opinions
Based on the foregoing, we can say that really simplicity is worse than theft. What this phrase means is also clear, but how many people, so many opinions. Some, for example, do not think so. Others interpret the winged expression, which was previously actively used by such well-known literary figures as Dal, Mikhelson, Sobolev, Saltykov-Shchedrin and others, and is used today in everyday speech.
But overall simplicity in this context is a quality that disarms with its sincere impudence. Simpletons often use a "justifying" phrase: "What is it?" People who suffer from the actions of a simpleton do not even have the opportunity to make any claims to him. By the way, it is interesting that in past times the word "simple" was an insult, a synonym for such words as "underdeveloped", "dumb", "fool" and so on. Indeed, the consequences that arose due to the actions of such people were much more serious and serious than the theft. Yes, and had to correct them ourselves.
The phrase "Simplicity is worse than theft" appeared many years ago and has since been considered winged.