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The Ecstasy of Understanding
“If you can’t explain it to a 6 year old, you don’t understand it yourself.” (Albert Einstein)
True understanding can mean different things to different people although I think that true understanding comes from a combination of knowing the conceptual framework as well as embodying it in one’s daily life.
For example, somebody can know that eating a lot of vegetables is healthy for them and they may even know some of the science behind why vegetables are so healthy for the human body. But, if they’re not eating vegetables on a daily basis then would that be considered true understanding? In my opinion, that’s an indication of a lack of understanding. True understanding in this context would be that you know why vegetables are healthy for you and you actually consume them on a daily basis.
Simplifying = Understanding
The major pillar that we all need to think about when it comes understanding is simplification.
If you really want to understand something then simplify the idea or concept to the point where a 6 year old can understand it as Albert Einstein said.
An example of this simplification process would be the process of evolution in context of attracting mates:
