Full Idea
It is pointless to do through more things something that can be done through fewer.
Gist of Idea
Why use more things when fewer will do?
Source
William of Ockham (Tractatus de corpore Christi [1323], Ch. 29), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 14.3
Book Reference
Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.290
A Reaction
The more famous formulation isn't found in his works, so I'm delighted to find an authentic quotation from the man.
Related Idea
Idea 6806 Do not multiply entities beyond necessity [William of Ockham]