Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M3767

Principle of Least Power

Principle of Least Power
SystemsHigh supportSystems Theory
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Proposed by Tim Berners-Lee. When choosing a computer language or solution, one should select the one with the least power that can still solve the problem. Because the less powerful, the easier it is to analyze, index, and optimize (e.g., HTML is better than JS).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Don't use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. If you can solve it with Excel, don't write Python; if a static webpage suffices, don't use a complex framework. The more powerful, the greater the side effects and maintenance costs.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

The principle of proportionality in military and governance: to achieve legitimate goals, only the minimal necessary force/coercion is used. The mechanism is proportionality and restraint, avoiding excess.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_least_powerZH · Explicit
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