Things should be as simple as possible and no simpler.

Share this quote

Attribution note

No reliable primary or scholarly source confirms this exact wording as Albert Einstein's. It is widely circulated under his name and is listed as commonly attributed.

About this quote

This wording, beginning "Things should be as simple as possible and no simpler.," circulates under Einstein's name and focuses on things, simple, possible. No strong source for the exact text was found, so the page presents it as commonly attributed while still explaining its practical connection to wisdom and life.

When to use it

  • Use "Things should be as simple as possible and no simpler." in a wisdom discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
  • Compare its treatment of things with simple in a lesson, essay, or editorial note before drawing a conclusion.
  • Before sharing it as Einstein's exact words, display the attribution caveat and follow the evidence link recorded on the page.