---
slug: "Complexitytax"
name: "Complexitytax"
type: "Reasoning"
layer: "Mind"
ref: "Complexitytax#fb09"
sema_id: "sema:Complexitytax#mh:SHA-256:fb091fe7a20913cdbec3d4e3af7165ffac1731b750c8511a102e649dd714e6a0"
tags: ["Mind","Reasoning"]
updated: 2026-11-11
mindscape: "bootstrap"
index_url: https://mindscape.world/scapes/bootstrap.json
url: https://mindscape.world/bootstrap/Complexitytax/
related: ["Decision","Lucence","Farsimple"]
---

# Complexitytax

Before dismissing a distinction as too complicated, state what decision it would change

Layer: Mind · Category: Reasoning

## Mechanism

A distinction proposed for dismissal as too complicated is first tested: state which [Decision](https://mindscape.world/scapes/bootstrap/Decision.md) or prediction would change if it were kept. A distinction that changes nothing may be dropped; one that changes something is kept, whatever it costs to state.

## Invariants

- A dismissed distinction carries a statement of what it would have changed.
- A distinction that would change a decision or prediction is not dismissed for its length.

## Failure modes

- Slogan win: the shorter account is preferred because it is shorter.
- Complexity hoard: every distinction is kept whether or not it changes anything.

## Builds on

- [Decision](https://mindscape.world/scapes/bootstrap/Decision.md) (Infrastructure; References)

## Used by

—

## Identity

- Sema ID: `sema:Complexitytax#mh:SHA-256:fb091fe7a20913cdbec3d4e3af7165ffac1731b750c8511a102e649dd714e6a0`
- Ref: `Complexitytax#fb09`

## Links

- [Pattern page](https://mindscape.world/bootstrap/Complexitytax/)
- [View in the interactive graph](https://mindscape.world/bootstrap/#Complexitytax)
- [JSON](https://mindscape.world/scapes/bootstrap/Complexitytax.json)
- [Index of all patterns](https://mindscape.world/scapes/bootstrap.json)