---
title: "Make It Simpler and Dumber | DJ Petersen"
description: "Push back on over-engineering by asking for the dumbest possible solution that still achieves the goal. Models tend toward complexity — this resets the bar."
canonical: "https://www.thedjpetersen.com/llm-thoughts/prompts/simpler-and-dumber/"
---

architectureFeb 16, 2026

# Make It Simpler and Dumber

Push back on over-engineering by asking for the dumbest possible solution that still achieves the goal. Models tend toward complexity — this resets the bar.

via [Simon Last@simonlast](https://x.com/simonlast)

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| 1 | Let's step back and think really hard: how can we make this SIMPLER and DUMBER while still achieving our goals? |
| --- | --- |

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