Complex systems that work evolved from simple systems that
Complex systems that work evolved from simple systems that worked.
Why This Is an Axiom
This is Gall's Law — a theoretical claim about system development that cannot be reduced further. It's not an empirical observation or a philosophical commitment, but a framework assumption about how functional complexity emerges. Foundational to the 'start simple' principle.
Source Lessons
The minimum effective operational system
Find the simplest operational system that reliably supports your priorities.
The minimum viable workflow
Start with the simplest version that works and add complexity only when needed.
Workflow composition
Complex workflows are built by combining simpler workflows. The output of one becomes the input of another. Composition is the mechanism that turns a library of small, proven workflows into an infrastructure that handles arbitrarily complex work.
The minimum effective operational system
Find the simplest operational system that reliably supports your priorities.