Why do we always ignore or overlook simple things?

Is it because we keep expecting things to be complex?

Here is a joke on the same lines.

[The joke used here is sourced from an email I got from my friend 5 years back. Original source is unknown! ]

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went camping. As night came they set up their tent and fell asleep.

Some hours later, Holmes woke Dr. Watson up and said “Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.”

Annoyed by being woken up, Watson mumbled, “I see millions of stars.”

Holmes was unimpressed and asked “What does that tell you?”

Watson thought. “What the heck is this fellow up to at this hour?” And replied using all his brain.

“Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.
Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo.
Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three.
Theologically, it’s evident the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant.
Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you Holmes?”

By now, Holmes was truly annoyed by Watson’s lengthy reply. He said “It means only one thing to me. Someone has stolen our tent“.

Have you experienced the same thing? Well, I have repeated this mistake of overlooking the simple stuff time and again. And have often wondered how I missed such obvious things. Every time I do that…. I remember this joke. Just wanted to share it with you too.