Subtract Summary

Leidy Klotz

Super Short (A summary of our summary)

In "Subtract," Leidy Klotz delves into the significant, yet often overlooked power of subtraction amidst a society fixated on addition. The book invites readers to reconsider their instinctual habits of accumulating more—be it possessions, ambitions, or societal structures—and explore how the act of removing can lead to transformative change.

Central to the narrative is the story of Sue Bierman, a city planner in San Francisco, who in 1985 sought to convince the city's residents to dismantle an unsightly double-decker freeway obstructing the waterfront. Despite the logic behind her initiative, the community initially resisted the prospect of subtraction. It wasn't until the freeway was damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake that the city had no choice but to remove it, eventually transforming that space into the vibrant Embarcadero waterfront—now a bustling hub for tourism and economic growth.

Klotz uses this example, among others, to exemplify a larger theme: the human tendency to overlook the value of subtraction. He highlights that our brains are wired to add rather than remove—this instinct can be traced back to evolutionary biology where acquiring resources equated to survival. This notion is further explored through various experiments he conducted, revealing that most people instinctively choose to enhance an idea or design by adding elements rather than considering what might be effectively removed.

The narrative extends beyond individual anecdotes and delves into broader implications of subtraction, drawing connections to systemic issues such as climate change and racism. Klotz points out that while many focus on adding initiatives to combat these crises, a more effective approach could be to remove obstacles, thereby alleviating the systemic pressures at play. He uses the collapse of apartheid in South Africa as a case study, where divestment and a withdrawal of support proved more impactful than simply adding resources to anti-apartheid efforts.

The book also critiques modern economic structures that promote continuous accumulation as an ideal, calling into question the societal values that equate success with having more. Klotz likens this to the enduring effects of consumer capitalism, initiated in part by Truman’s post-war economic policies, which encouraged constant growth and purchasing as a pathway to prosperity.

Klotz encourages readers to embrace subtraction not just as a practical tool but as a philosophical lens through which to view the world. He draws on historical imagery, such as the monumental architecture of Göbekli Tepe, suggesting that civilization itself began with the act of constructing, which inherently involved adding. However, it is subtraction—a conscious choice to simplify—that can lead to genuine progress.

One poignant illustration of the efficacy of subtraction can be found in the city of Lexington, Kentucky. Here, urban designer Kate Orff undertook a project to unveil a long-buried creek, challenging the “good enough” mentality that had prevailed for over a century. Her efforts resulted in the revitalization of the community's environment and quality of life through the act of removal.

In summary, "Subtract" presents a thought-provoking critique of our cultural inclination towards addition and a compelling argument for the merits of subtraction. By exploring historical, architectural, and personal narratives, Klotz illustrates how simplifying and removing can lead to enhanced clarity, innovation, and wellbeing. This book ultimately challenges us to reconsider our perspectives on growth, urging us to recognize that sometimes, less truly is more.