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Home | Personal Development | Complexity Article Archive | Puzzle of Life

​Puzzle of Life

Navigating the Complexity

BY: T. Franklin Murphy  | March 2013 (edited March 6, 2022)
Complexity
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Life is complex, not easily described in words. True wisdom is discovered from accepting the messiness of an unknowable world.
We want concrete answers—defined problems with clear resolutions. Some questions are answered with simplicity; many are not. Professional marketers coax us with simple paths to success—invest this way, behave that way. Because marketing research knows that is what we want. Make it simple, stupid. Sometimes this is helpful; but not perfect. Success is complex. A fail-proof algorithmic equation doesn’t exist—flourishing isn’t guaranteed. Success is very subjective. Experts argue over the end goal whether it is health, happiness or flourishing. We often engage in marketed self-improvement programs without knowing the program designer’s definition of success. He may not even know. Often the only goal is to sell the product you just purchased.

We need a more open and flexible approach. We must experiment with various possibilities and devise novel solution. This approach begins at birth and ends at death, continuously tinkering and adjusting to find just the right ingredients. And once we discover the perfect formula, life changes again.

Personal Responsibility  for Happiness

Many will proclaim divine discovery—happiness, they proclaim, is simple. With cute, catchy sayings, they market simplicity, ignoring the complex realities of living. When we blindly follow a philosophy, even one built on a foundation of truth, we stray from an essential characteristic required for growth. We must take responsibility for our lives.

​Mindfully examining new programs for effectiveness. Self-empowerment is a product of choice—not resignation to outer forces. We will constantly encounter unproven simplicities, tempting our departure from the difficult paths of complexity.

What is Complexity of Life

Our complex existence, both externally and internally, relies on countless forces that interact in diverse and various ways. We can identify some of the causes for existence but full understanding lies beyond the capability of our finite minds. Science unveils countless associations but often fails to determine why some subjects diverge from the predictions. We are complex beings, with trillions of neuronal connections, processing a complex universe. Life will always refuse to be defined.

We Must Use Caution

​Any book, course, fb posting, or belief system that boils human happiness to a simple algorithmic solution must be evaluated with healthy skepticism. Ideas may be helpful, based on scientifically proven theories, but we still must work to integrate them into our unique experience. Sometimes new ideas don’t fit, and we must continue our search. Join with me in this heroic journey of fulfillment. I don’t have the answers. I, like others, am biased by my experiences of pleasure and pain. Tinker and adjust my views as you experiment. See how each piece fits into your individual puzzle life.
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T. Franklin Murphy
T. Franklin Murphy
Wellness. Writer. Researcher.
​T. Franklin Murphy has a degree in psychology. He tirelessly researches scientific findings that contribute to wellness. In 2010, he began publishing his findings.

Index:

Flourishing in Life
  • Personal Development
  • Mindfulness
  • Addiction Recovery
  • Wellness 
Psychology of Wellness
  • Emotions​
  • Personality
  • Defense Mechanisms
Flourishing Relationships
  • Intimate
  • Parent/Child
  • Society
Health and Fitness
Flourishing Topics
Psychological Definitions
Research
About Flourishing Life
Personal Development. A Flourishing Life Society article data base link
Human Flourishing. Flourishing Life Society article link
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Psychology Definitions Data Base Link

​Other Flourishing Life Society articles of interest on this topic:

Unfolding of Complexity. Taking a broader perspective. A Flourishing Life Society article link
We can see the world a little clearer by stepping beyond the confines of our own ego.
We are engaged in a constant work of becoming, satisfying needs, entertaining wants, and creating meaning. We can do this purposely or haphazardly.
Truth is elusive. What is proven today may be challenged tomorrow. We need a different approach that allows for confidence in action without a closed mind to possible alternatives.
A Flourishing Life Society article link. Balancing Life's Opposing Demands
Present Moment. The Here and Now. A Flourishing Life Society article link
Emodiversity. A Psychology Definition. A Flourishing Life Society article
Seizing the day is a joyful acceptance and a timeless honoring of the preciousness of life. Seizing the day creates a joyful connection to living.
We get stuck in an existential funk, searching for meaning. Life may not readily appear meaningful; but we can give life meaning.
Flourishing Life Society article link. Ask the Universe
Childhood Development and Life Trajectories. A Flourishing Life Society article link
Life is governed by laws. Many actions involve several laws competing fro dominance.
Flourishing Life Society  Link. Trials of Life
The present offers some fabulous gifts; but sometimes (often) we should pass and work towards a better future.
Psychological Flexibility. A Flourishing Life Society article image link
Meaning Making Machines. A Flourishing Life Society article link

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Life is complex, not easily described in words. True wisdom comes from accepting the messiness in the unknowable world.
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