William of Occam

William of Occam (ca. 1285-1349)

English theologian

• Do not assume more variables than neccessary.

(also known as Occam's razor)

also quoted as "Entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity"

(In Latin : Entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem or Numquam ponenda est pluralitas sine necessitate )

• It is vain to do with more that which can be done with less.

See also:- hanlons Razor "Do not attribute to malice that which can easily be explained by stupidity"