Occam’s Razor
Occam’s razor, also known as the principle of parsimony or the law of parsimony, is the problem-solving principle that “entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity.” Or “The simplest explanation is usually the best one.”
This principle has great problem-solving value because it narrows an investigation down to a single problem source, often called the root cause. For example, if a car does not start, the reason can be as simple as an empty fuel tank.
Yet, applying this principle can lead to problems because motor vehicles are complex, and the engine might not start due to an esoteric issue with the engine computer. Thus, looking for an Ockham’s razor solution can distract the car mechanic.
A major problem arises when Occam’s razor is applied to human behavior. Why is John upset? Because he misses his daughter. This seems like a perfect solution, except that humans have many motivations, including money, power, survival, belonging, fear, achievement, and affection. Even a boring human has a vast number of opinions and random thoughts. Thus, I recommend applying Occam’s razor carefully, as it is both a powerful perspective and a trap.
If you have read my previous articles, you know I like to have a writing tie-in. Readers enjoy easy-to-understand characters and straightforward plots but dislike undefined motivation or poor logic. At the same time, they need to be entertained, and simple plots with flat characters do not lead to sales.
Therefore, a good story should have a moment where everything comes together. One could consider this an Occam’s razor kind of moment or a straightforward “plot wrap-up.” To achieve this, I like to place myself in the reader’s perspective and write something that unfolds into this moment. One could even apply Occam’s razor to this very article. I stuck to one topic without adding random tangents that messed up the ending.
You’re the best -Bill
March 16 2022 Updated 7/12/2026
This principle has great problem-solving value because it narrows an investigation down to a single problem source, often called the root cause. For example, if a car does not start, the reason can be as simple as an empty fuel tank.
Yet, applying this principle can lead to problems because motor vehicles are complex, and the engine might not start due to an esoteric issue with the engine computer. Thus, looking for an Ockham’s razor solution can distract the car mechanic.
A major problem arises when Occam’s razor is applied to human behavior. Why is John upset? Because he misses his daughter. This seems like a perfect solution, except that humans have many motivations, including money, power, survival, belonging, fear, achievement, and affection. Even a boring human has a vast number of opinions and random thoughts. Thus, I recommend applying Occam’s razor carefully, as it is both a powerful perspective and a trap.
If you have read my previous articles, you know I like to have a writing tie-in. Readers enjoy easy-to-understand characters and straightforward plots but dislike undefined motivation or poor logic. At the same time, they need to be entertained, and simple plots with flat characters do not lead to sales.
Therefore, a good story should have a moment where everything comes together. One could consider this an Occam’s razor kind of moment or a straightforward “plot wrap-up.” To achieve this, I like to place myself in the reader’s perspective and write something that unfolds into this moment. One could even apply Occam’s razor to this very article. I stuck to one topic without adding random tangents that messed up the ending.
You’re the best -Bill
March 16 2022 Updated 7/12/2026
