Centuries ago, Confucius identified a timeless human tendency: we are often the primary source of our own complexity. At its core, life's essence is simple—to breathe, to connect, to contribute, to find joy in being. Our basic needs and the principles of a good life are fundamentally straightforward.

Yet, we "insist on making it complicated" through overthinking, excessive planning, attachment to drama, the pursuit of unnecessary possessions, and comparing ourselves to others. We layer expectations, worries, and social constructs over the simple reality of existence. This quote is a call to return to essentials.

It invites us to strip away the mental clutter and rediscover the elegant simplicity at the heart of living, bringing greater clarity and peace to our daily experience.