The social sciences studying the collapse of civilizations theorize that throughout history cultures and civilizations have collapsed under the weight of undue complexity. Medicine is becoming so complex it has almost become unmanageable for doctors and patients alike.
James Clear, author of “Atomic Habits”, said:
“Beginner = ignorant simplicity”
“Intermediate = functional complexity”
“Advanced = profound simplicity”
These quotes were not directed at medicine, but raise the question as to which level applies to medicine today? “Complexity can be good in medicine, but leaves us without answers in many chronic diseases. Naming new diseases for every newly developed symptom is adding undue complexity, because new symptoms may be the evolution of an underlying chronic infection, or a variation in a different patient, not a new disease. Diagnosing the root infectious causes of chronic diseases is the beginning of “profound simplification”, which could change medical thinking and the practice of medicine, for the benefit of all.
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