The paradox of professionals, simplifying the complex
"If you can't explain it simply, then you don't know it well enough." This quote from Albert Einstein resonates with me all the time when I'm trying to learn something or find information. Much of the content out there is unnecessarily prolonged to fill in time, as if there's an insecurity with the author that if they can't turn an idea into 300 pages, then people will not take them seriously. The opposite is true; when you are concise and careful with your words, getting straight to the point, people take you very seriously. So why is there so much noise, fluff, and filler content out there?
Egos and Clarity
The short answer is that they don't know what they are talking about. They lack the knowledge to simplify the subject they are trying to convey. This happens with all amateurs and also occurs when egos intertwine with professionals. The common response is, "You wouldn't understand," which is essentially saying, "I'm smarter, and you're inferior." It's a condescending escape for someone who can't explain themselves. So the next time someone brushes you off for asking a question, know that they are just insecure and scared because they can't answer your question or admit they don't know the answer, putting their authority into question.
The Dilemma of Expertise
With the world filled with content, it's hard to find what is good, correct, or even interesting and knowledgeable. I argue that professionals aren't great teachers because they are too busy doing the work to even consider someone else. This is sad, and the people who teach are normally the ones who didn't make it or are teaching from other people's shadows. Alternatively, the few are people who did it all and now want to resign from that profession or position. Mentors are easy to find but, at the same time, scary to approach.
The Simple Reality of Learning
"If you can't explain it simply, then you don't know it well enough." Like this statement, "It's not that simple," is false because it is that simple. It's just hard work walking the path. The path is right there in front of us, in books and courses. However, it's easier to just look than to struggle on it. When we learn to walk, we fall and get hurt; it's going to happen. Know this, but also understand that getting up after falling teaches you, and little by little, you fall over less and less. You learn, you grow, you become stronger, you understand more. After you have done it, and walked the path, only then do you realize it was simple after all.
