Introduction
In a world obsessed with more, Leidy Klotz's "Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less" offers a refreshing perspective on the power of less. This book challenges our ingrained tendency to add and explores the often-overlooked potential of subtraction as a force for positive change. Through a blend of scientific research, historical examples, and practical insights, Klotz invites readers to reconsider their approach to problem-solving and improvement in various aspects of life.
The Overlooked Power of Subtraction
Klotz begins by highlighting how subtraction is an underutilized tool for change. He shares the story of Sue Bierman, a San Francisco city planner who proposed removing an ugly double-decker freeway to improve the city's waterfront. Despite the potential benefits, the idea was initially met with resistance. It wasn't until an earthquake damaged the freeway that it was finally removed, leading to the creation of the popular Embarcadero waterfront.
This anecdote sets the stage for a central theme of the book: our inherent bias towards addition and our struggle to consider subtraction as a viable option for improvement. Klotz argues that this tendency affects various aspects of our lives, from personal habits to global issues like climate change.
The Psychology Behind Our Addition Bias
To understand why we prefer addition over subtraction, Klotz delves into the psychological factors at play. He shares an enlightening experience with his son while building a Lego bridge. When faced with uneven supporting pillars, Klotz's instinct was to add a block to the shorter pillar rather than remove one from the taller pillar. This moment sparked his curiosity about our innate preference for addition.
Through a series of experiments, Klotz demonstrates that people consistently choose to add elements when given the option to improve something, whether it's a piece of music, a recipe, or a travel itinerary. This tendency isn't necessarily about preference but rather about mental accessibility. The idea of adding is simply more readily available in our minds than the concept of subtracting.
Klotz's research shows that when people are explicitly reminded that subtraction is an option, they are more likely to consider it. This finding suggests that our addition bias is not insurmountable but rather a default mode that can be overcome with conscious effort.
The Biological and Evolutionary Roots of Addition
Our preference for addition isn't just a quirk of human psychology; it has deep biological and evolutionary roots. Klotz draws parallels between human behavior and that of male bowerbirds, known for their elaborate nest-building habits. These birds add numerous objects to their nests, even though the nests are never used after mating. This behavior demonstrates competence to potential mates, much like how humans often use addition to showcase their abilities.
The author argues that our drive to add is deeply ingrained in our biology. For our hunter-gatherer ancestors, acquiring resources was crucial for survival. This has led to a positive association with acquisition in our brains, extending beyond just food to any form of addition. Simply put, adding feels good on a fundamental level.
Addition as the Foundation of Civilization
Klotz takes readers on a fascinating journey to the archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, where the discovery of an ancient stone temple challenges our understanding of human development. The temple, an early example of monumental architecture, predates nearby human settlements. This finding suggests that the desire to build and add was a catalyst for the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities.
The author posits that the shared goal of constructing this superfluous temple brought multiple groups of hunter-gatherers together, necessitating a stable food supply and eventually leading to the development of agriculture. In this way, our innate drive to add became the foundation of human civilization itself.
The Economic Imperative to Add
Moving from ancient history to modern times, Klotz explores how our economic systems reinforce the tendency to add. He points to President Harry Truman's 1949 speech as a pivotal moment in the birth of modern consumer capitalism. Truman's address, influenced by Keynesian economics, promoted the idea that economic growth through increased consumption was the key to world peace and prosperity.
This economic model, based on continuous growth and addition, has indeed led to significant improvements in global living standards. However, Klotz questions whether this relentless pursuit of growth comes at a cost, particularly in terms of our most precious resource: time. He highlights the culture of busyness that pervades modern society, suggesting that despite our material gains, we may have less leisure time than our medieval ancestors.
Subtraction as a Tool for Systemic Change
One of the most compelling arguments Klotz makes for subtraction is its potential to address complex systemic issues, such as racism. He draws on the work of author Ibram X. Kendi, who argues that all racism is systemic racism, deeply embedded in the institutions that govern our lives.
Klotz contends that most anti-racism efforts focus on addition – adding educational programs, funding, or resources to fight discrimination. While these efforts can be beneficial, he argues that subtraction-based approaches can be even more effective. By removing barriers to equality rather than simply helping people overcome them, subtraction releases tension from the system of racism itself.
To illustrate this point, Klotz discusses the fall of apartheid in South Africa. He explains that while additive efforts, such as providing support to anti-apartheid forces, had limited impact, subtractive approaches like divestment from South African companies proved more effective in dismantling the regime. This example demonstrates how subtraction can be a powerful tool for addressing deeply entrenched systemic issues.
The Challenge and Reward of Subtraction
Klotz acknowledges that subtraction is often more challenging than addition. He uses the analogy of writing a long letter versus a short one to illustrate this point. Crafting a concise message requires more effort and thought than simply adding more words. This tendency to settle for "good enough" rather than putting in the extra effort to subtract is what economist Herbert Simon called "satisficing."
However, Klotz argues that the rewards of subtraction are well worth the additional effort. He shares the story of urban designer Kate Orff's work in Lexington, Kentucky, where she won a competition to redesign the cityscape. Instead of adding new elements, Orff chose to uncover a creek that had been buried for over a century. This subtractive approach transformed the city, creating a beautiful and functional space that enhanced the community's quality of life.
Practical Applications of Subtraction
Throughout the book, Klotz provides numerous examples of how subtraction can be applied in various contexts:
Personal Life: Decluttering homes and simplifying schedules can lead to reduced stress and increased well-being.
Professional Environment: Streamlining processes and eliminating unnecessary meetings or reports can improve productivity and job satisfaction.
Urban Planning: Removing outdated infrastructure, like the San Francisco freeway, can revitalize cities and create more livable spaces.
Writing and Communication: Editing and removing unnecessary words can lead to clearer, more impactful messages.
Problem-Solving: Considering subtraction as a solution can lead to innovative approaches to complex issues.
Environmental Conservation: Focusing on removing carbon from the atmosphere, rather than just slowing its addition, could be a more effective approach to combating climate change.
Overcoming the Addition Bias
Klotz offers several strategies for overcoming our innate bias towards addition:
Conscious Awareness: Simply being aware of our tendency to add can help us consider subtraction more often.
Explicit Reminders: Incorporating prompts to consider subtraction in decision-making processes can increase its use.
Reframing: Instead of asking "What can we add?" try asking "What can we take away?"
Valuing Simplicity: Recognizing the benefits of simplicity and minimalism can motivate subtractive thinking.
Practicing Subtraction: Like any skill, the ability to identify opportunities for subtraction improves with practice.
The Future of Subtraction
As we face increasingly complex global challenges, from climate change to social inequality, Klotz argues that subtraction will play a crucial role in finding solutions. He envisions a future where subtraction is given equal consideration to addition in problem-solving, design, and decision-making processes.
The author also suggests that embracing subtraction could lead to more sustainable and fulfilling ways of living. By focusing on what truly matters and eliminating the unnecessary, we can create space for what's truly important in our lives and societies.
Conclusion
"Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less" challenges readers to reconsider their instinctive approach to improvement and problem-solving. Leidy Klotz makes a compelling case for the power of subtraction, demonstrating how it can lead to more elegant solutions, greater efficiency, and improved quality of life.
By exploring the psychological, biological, and cultural factors that drive our addition bias, Klotz provides a comprehensive understanding of why subtraction is often overlooked. He then offers practical insights and strategies for harnessing the power of less in various aspects of life.
The book serves as a timely reminder that in a world constantly pushing for more, sometimes the most effective solution is to take something away. As we grapple with complex global issues and seek to improve our personal and professional lives, "Subtract" encourages us to consider the transformative potential of less.
Ultimately, Klotz's work invites readers to embrace a new paradigm – one where subtraction is not just an afterthought but a primary tool for positive change. By mastering the art of less, we can create more space, more time, and more meaningful improvements in our lives and the world around us.