Accidental vs Essential Complexity

Biological Parallel

Essential complexity: inherent to the problem (vertebrate body plans require circulatory systems—you can't simplify that away). Accidental complexity: implementation details (mammals use hemoglobin; octopuses use hemocyanin—same problem, different solution). Brooks distinguished complexity you must manage from complexity you inflicted on yourself. Evolutionary biology: essential complexity is constraint (bilateral symmetry in animals); accidental complexity is phylogenetic baggage (recurrent laryngeal nerve routing in giraffes). Strip away accidents; embrace essentials. Simplify the accidental, respect the essential.