The expression, credited to the English poet Robert Browning but known in various forms from writings as early as the eighth century B.C., conveys the message that all things are more elegant, meaningful, and effective when reduced to their most essential forms. And, in the realms of oral, written, and visual communications media, the validity of the proverb seems self-evident. Slogans and sound-bytes are clearly more effective than lengthier discourses in motivating consumers, voters, and others to act in particular ways. The most ornate of frames does little to enhance the resplendence of a masterpiece in the realm of art. Likewise, adornments beyond a neat appearance and clothing appropriate to the occasion can only serve to detract from the image of a truly beautiful woman or handsome man.

But, can less truly be more in life? The question is one of perception. The history of mankind is one of advancement in the material aspects of living. Yesterday’s luxuries become tomorrow’s necessities. It would be unthinkable for most people today to live without electricity, running water, automobiles, television, personal computers, mobile phones, and a host of other conveniences and technologies that less than two centuries ago would be the stuff of science fiction. And, as time goes by, the advances are coming at an increasingly rapid rate. In twenty years, who knows what new necessities will be a part of daily life!

And yet, there is no corresponding advancement in the people requiring those material things. Sayyid Haydar Amuli, a fourteenth century spiritual master and scholar, stated “The ocean is the same ocean as it has been of old; the events of today are its waves and its rivers.” The people living today are the same people that have inhabited this planet for millennia. Their wants and needs, both material and spiritual, are largely the same. What is different are the means by which their needs are fulfilled. In the earliest days of mankind, the need for shelter and clothing may have meant a cave and some animal skins. Today, those needs are fulfilled via a house or an apartment and clothing, designer or otherwise, purchased at a retail store.

In the twenty-first century, we are riding a “wave” of convenience and luxury completely unknown to our ancestors. And, barring some cataclysm – created by man or otherwise – that will spawn a new “Dark Age,” our descendants will avail themselves of technological necessities of which we have yet to dream. Nonetheless, our descendants, like our ancestors, will likely be people very much like ourselves – with the same fears, hopes, and primal needs.

As inhabitants of this small planet, we, like those who have gone before us, are all seekers of enlightenment and love – whether or not we even realize it. It is within our nature to be inquisitive and social. We want to learn everything there is to know about life and our world, from its origins. Equally importantly, we seek to cultivate relationships and build bonds, familial and otherwise, which permit the continuation of our species and the advancement of humanity.

The advancement of the individual and humanity as a whole are interdependent, with each supporting and relying upon the other. In this regard, the accumulation of material things beyond the ever-increasing baseline of need can hinder our pursuit of truth and encumber our relationships with others. And so, living a life “less” reliant on overabundance frees us to become “more” enlightened and in tune with our families, friends, and mankind.