Concepts
A Definition Draws a Boundary
A definition draws a boundary around an unfamiliar concept, helping you separate its essential features from nearby…
The collected essays
All essays
Read essays and explainers about concepts, connections, learning and the craft of making an idea clear.
Connections
Analogy and Example Do Different Jobs
Analogy and example clarify ideas in different ways. Learn when each helps, how to build one, and how to spot the…
Explanation
How Glosses and Glossaries Organise Explanations
Glosses and glossaries organise explanations in different ways. Learn how each format guides readers, and how to build…
Questions
The Map Is Not the Territory: How Models Leave Things Out
The map is not the territory: see how models leave things out, spot when missing details change an answer, and choose…
Learning
One Difficult Paragraph, Read Slowly
Read one difficult paragraph slowly to identify its claim, trace how its sentences connect and write a clearer account…
A view of understanding
Understanding begins with careful attention
An explanation can open a subject without closing it. We make room for distinctions, connections and the questions that remain.