Lihtsus

Lihtsus is an Estonian term for simplicity, denoting the quality of being easy to understand, to use, or to explain. It spans both practical and theoretical dimensions, and is often valued as a guiding principle in science, design, and everyday life.

The word stems from "liht," meaning simple, with the noun-forming suffix "-sus."

In philosophy and science, lihtsus is linked to the principle of parsimony. Occam's razor states that among competing hypotheses, the simplest adequate explanation is preferred. The concept covers ontological simplicity (fewer assumed entities) and epistemic simplicity (clear, straightforward arguments). Caution is needed to avoid oversimplification when complex phenomena require more nuanced accounts.

In design, architecture, and graphic design, lihtsus is associated with minimalism: stripping away superfluous features to reveal essential form and function. In user experience and interface design, simple layouts help users accomplish tasks efficiently and with fewer errors.

In Estonian culture, lihtsus appears in education, public discourse, and media as a value that promotes transparency and understandability. It is used to describe both tangible things, like products and spaces, and abstract qualities, such as explanations or explanations that are easy to grasp.