Feynman Technique
Apply the full Feynman learning technique to deeply understand a concept.
Instructions
Work through all four steps of the Feynman technique. Be honest about gaps—they're the point.
Output Format
Concept: [What are we trying to understand?]
Step 1: Explain It Simply
Explain as if teaching someone with no background in this field
Simple Explanation
[Write a plain-language explanation. Use everyday words. Avoid jargon. Aim for a bright 12-year-old to understand.]
Analogy
[Create an analogy using something familiar to illustrate the concept]
Step 2: Identify Gaps
Where did the explanation get fuzzy, hand-wavy, or require jargon?
Gaps Found Gap What I Said What I'm Not Sure About 1 [vague part] [the underlying question] 2 [vague part] [the underlying question] 3 [vague part] [the underlying question] Jargon Used Term Can I Explain It Simply? [term] Yes / No / Partially Step 3: Fill the Gaps
Research or think through each gap
Gap 1: [Topic] The question: [What wasn't clear?] The answer: [What I learned] Now I can explain it as: [Simple version] Step 4: Refined Explanation
Rewrite the complete explanation with gaps filled and simpler language
Final Simple Explanation
[The improved, complete explanation in plain language]
Improved Analogy
[A refined or new analogy that better captures the concept]
Key Takeaways [Core insight 1] [Core insight 2] [Core insight 3]
Test Question If someone asked me to explain this in 30 seconds, I'd say:
[Elevator pitch version]
Guidelines Don't pretend to understand—gaps are valuable Use analogies from everyday life If you need jargon, define it simply Shorter is usually better The "explain to a child" bar is high—take it seriously
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