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"尽量像在给非常聪明的自己解释事情一样写作。"

Paul Graham
Paul Graham Programmer, Venture Capitalist, Essayist
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Quote meaning
When it comes to explaining things, the essence of this advice is to communicate clearly and thoroughly, imagining you're talking to a highly intelligent version of yourself. It's about breaking down complex ideas as if you're trying to understand them better, ensuring clarity and depth.

In a historical context, this advice might come from the realms of teaching or writing, where educators often grapple with making intricate subjects accessible. Think of Albert Einstein, who famously said, "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." This idea resonates with our quote—it's about clarity and precision in communication.

Let's take a real-life example. Imagine you're a software developer working on a complex algorithm. Your task is to document this algorithm so that your team can understand and maintain it. If you write the documentation as if explaining it to a very bright version of yourself, you'll naturally cover all bases—every assumption, every nuance. You'd think, "What would I need to know to understand this if I were reading it for the first time?" This ensures you don't skip critical steps or details, making your documentation comprehensive and user-friendly.

So, how do you apply this advice in your daily life? Start by simplifying. Whenever you're explaining something, pretend you're explaining it to yourself—someone who already has the foundational knowledge but needs clarity on the specifics. Use analogies or metaphors that make sense to you. Break down complex concepts into smaller, digestible bits. But don't dumb it down; your audience is smart, remember? Just make it clear and logical.

Here's a scenario to bring this to life. Say you're trying to teach your friend how to cook your famous lasagna. Instead of saying, "Make a béchamel sauce," imagine you're explaining it to yourself. You'd probably say, "First, melt some butter in a pan, then gradually whisk in some flour until it forms a paste. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until it's smooth and thick. You'll know it's ready when it coats the back of a spoon." By breaking it down this way, you're making it easier for your friend—and your smart self—to follow.

In another situation, suppose you're giving a presentation at work about a new project. Don't just throw around jargon and assume everyone will get it. Imagine explaining it to yourself. You'd probably think, "Okay, what do I need to know first? What's the big picture? What are the key details?" Then, structure your talk around these points, making sure each part connects clearly to the next.

The bottom line? It's all about empathy and clarity. Put yourself in the shoes of your audience—who is as savvy as you, but maybe not as familiar with the topic at hand. By doing this, you ensure your explanations are both detailed and accessible, making it easier for everyone to grasp the concept.

So next time you're breaking down a complicated idea, think about how you'd want it explained to you. Keep it clear, thorough, and logical. And don't forget to add a dash of your personality—that's what makes it engaging and relatable.
Related tags
Clarity Communication Effective communication Explanation Introspection Self-awareness Self-improvement Teaching Understanding Writing
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