Forrest Gump and the Difference Between Dumb and Simple

‘Dumb’ and ‘simple’.

Sometimes these words are interchangeable. For instance, Forrest Gump might be described by either word.

But other times they have very different meanings.

A couple of years ago the Guardian.com published a fascinating infographic titled ‘The state of our union is … dumber‘.

*Source: The Guardian

This interactive chart (try the original – mine is just a screencap) plots changes in the U.S. President’s State of the Union (SOTU) addresses from 1790 to 2014.

Even if you have no interest in politics, State of the Union addresses are useful because they provide over two hundred years of text sample data covering broadly similar subjects and themes. This makes them a great data source for anyone studying changes in the english language over the last 200 years.

Our Guardian SVG shows us two types of information:

The size of each bubble shows the number of words in each speech (i.e. Big bubbles = long speeches)
The height of each bubble gives its Flesch-Kincaid Reading Level.

The Flesch-Kincaid test estimates how difficult a passage of text is to understand – the lower the number, the easier the text is to understand.

As the graphic shows, SOTU addresses have been getting steadily easier to understand since about 1810, and generally shorter. In fact, President Obama’s recent address could be understood by an eighth-grader.

Modern Life is Rubbish

The weird part is that the Guardian and many others have cited this trend as evidence of a slip in education standards and the general decline of civilization. ‘How the linguistic standard of the presidential address has declined‘ lectures the subheading.

“Obama is only the latest in a long trend of dumbed-down addresses.” said Dailycaller.

It might just be me, but this seems crazy.

Whilst I’d hardly sing the praises of modern politics, surely this is evidence of an improving UX?

As design and UX people, we’re always searching for the simplest way to accomplish any goal. If user-testing showed a percentage of people didn’t understand our UIs, we’d go back to the drawing board.

Anyone who has the ability to make the complex simple is considered a rockstar. We applaud the simple. If the SOTU address was an app designed to deliver ideas to citizens, we’d be doing everything in our power to ensure it reached the largest possible audience.

However in journalism circles there seems to be an underlying belief that good ideas demand big words and long sentences.

What a strange position to take.

Here’s the second paragraph from President James Madison’s 1815 address.

In the terms stipulated the rights and honor of the United States were particularly consulted by a perpetual relinquishment on the part of the Dey of all pretensions to tribute from them. The impressions which have thus been made, strengthened as they will have been by subsequent transactions with the Regencies of Tunis and of Tripoli by the appearance of the larger force which followed under Commodore Bainbridge, the chief in command of the expedition, and by the judicious precautionary arrangements left by him in that quarter, afford a reasonable prospect of future security for the valuable portion of our commerce which passes within reach of the Barbary cruisers.

Wow. That is two sentences, 109 words and a Flesch-Kincaid grade level of 26.34.

Now, I don’t want to make this ‘National Beat Up James Madison Day’ as it’s a little unfair to read his text out of context and written in the voice of a different era. Nevertheless, I suspect most of us require some serious concentration to understand what he’s saying. I’ve read it 4 times now and I think I get it – but I’m crossing my fingers there won’t be a test later.

It’s undoubtedly an impressive command of the nuts and bolts of language, but is this the kind of writing we should aspire to for future addresses?

Steve Jobs talked about this subject many times over the years.

Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.”

Here’s to the difference between simple and dumb.

Originally published in the SitePoint Design Newsletter.

Frequently Asked Questions about Forrest Gump

What is the significance of the bench in Forrest Gump?

The bench in Forrest Gump is a significant symbol in the film. It is where Forrest narrates his life story to various strangers who sit next to him. The bench represents a place of comfort and reflection for Forrest, and it is where he shares his wisdom and life experiences. It is also a symbol of the commonality of human experiences, as different people from all walks of life sit next to Forrest and listen to his story.

Where is the real Forrest Gump bench located?

The bench used in the film Forrest Gump is located in the Savannah History Museum in Savannah, Georgia. It was originally placed in Chippewa Square during filming, but it was moved to the museum for preservation and to avoid damage.

What is the difference between being dumb and simple as portrayed in Forrest Gump?

In Forrest Gump, the character of Forrest is portrayed as simple, not dumb. He may lack conventional intelligence, but he possesses a unique wisdom and a pure heart. He sees the world in a straightforward and honest way, which often leads him to profound insights. His simplicity allows him to cut through the complexities of life and understand the essential truths that others often miss.

How does Forrest Gump’s character reflect American history?

Forrest Gump’s life story is intertwined with significant events in American history. From the Vietnam War to the Watergate scandal, Forrest finds himself in the midst of these historical moments. His character serves as a lens through which viewers can explore these events and their impact on American society.

What is the message of the film Forrest Gump?

The film Forrest Gump carries several messages. One of the main themes is the unpredictability of life, as encapsulated in the famous line, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” The film also explores themes of love, friendship, and perseverance.

How does Forrest Gump’s simplicity affect his relationships?

Forrest’s simplicity often leads him to form deep and meaningful relationships. His straightforward and honest approach to life attracts people to him. He forms a lifelong friendship with Bubba, his love for Jenny is pure and unwavering, and his relationship with his mother is deeply affectionate.

What is the significance of the feather in Forrest Gump?

The feather in Forrest Gump symbolizes destiny and chance. It floats on the wind, landing at Forrest’s feet at the beginning and end of the film, suggesting that our lives are shaped by both our choices and factors beyond our control.

How does Forrest Gump’s character challenge societal norms?

Despite his intellectual limitations, Forrest achieves remarkable success in various fields, from football to the shrimp business. His life challenges the societal norms that equate intelligence with success and happiness.

How does the film Forrest Gump portray the American Dream?

Forrest Gump’s life story embodies the American Dream. Despite his humble beginnings and personal challenges, Forrest achieves success through hard work, determination, and a positive attitude.

How does Forrest Gump’s character development reflect his life experiences?

Forrest’s character development is deeply influenced by his life experiences. His encounters with historical events, his relationships, and his personal challenges all shape his worldview and his understanding of life. Despite the changes in his life, Forrest remains true to his simple and honest nature.