"你教的越多，你指导的就越少"

The essence of the quote is pretty straightforward: teaching isn’t about overwhelming someone with instructions. It’s about creating an environment where they can learn and grow on their own. Think about it like planting a tree. If you just keep piling on the water and sunlight without giving it room to breathe or adapt, it’s not going to thrive. Teaching, in its truest sense, is about giving someone the tools and guidance they need to figure things out for themselves. You teach them how to think, not just what to think.

This idea has been kicking around for a long time. You see it in ancient philosophies, like those from Confucius or Socrates, who believed in asking questions to stimulate critical thinking rather than just dishing out answers. They understood that by fostering curiosity and self-reliance, students would not just repeat what they learned—they’d internalize and expand upon it.

Let's look at a real-life example. Take a basketball coach. A good coach won’t just bark orders from the sidelines. Instead, they'll teach players the fundamentals—dribbling, shooting, passing. But they’ll also create situations in practice that force players to make decisions on the fly. Maybe they set up a drill where players have to adapt to different defensive setups. Sure, the coach is there to guide and correct, but the players are learning how to think on their feet. They’re becoming better because they're figuring out solutions themselves, not just following step-by-step instructions.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? If you're in a position where you need to teach or mentor someone, resist the urge to micromanage. Instead, focus on helping them understand the principles behind what they’re doing. Encourage them to ask questions, explore, and make mistakes. It’s tough because it feels like you’re relinquishing control, but this is how real learning happens. Think about how you can give them scenarios that encourage problem-solving rather than just giving them the answers.

Imagine you’re a parent teaching your kid to ride a bike. You could hold the bike steady and instruct them on every little move. Or, you could guide them through the basics and then let go—literally. They’ll wobble, maybe fall a couple of times, but they’ll learn to balance and pedal on their own. And that’s where the magic happens—they gain confidence and independence.

So next time you find yourself in a teaching role, remember it’s less about dishing out instructions and more about fostering understanding and independence. You’ll not only help someone learn more effectively, but you’ll also empower them to continue learning long after your “lesson” is over. Isn’t that what true teaching is all about?