"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"

Albert Einstein’s words highlight the profound connection between understanding and the ability to communicate clearly. When someone truly grasps a concept, they should be able to distill its essence and convey it in a way that is accessible to others, even those without specialized knowledge. The act of simplifying is not about reducing depth or substance but about stripping away unnecessary complexity, jargon, and abstraction that may obscure the fundamental ideas.

True understanding is demonstrated not just in the capacity to recite definitions or perform complex calculations, but in making connections, recognizing what details are essential, and relating those details in meaningful ways. When an individual understands a subject deeply, they can anticipate potential areas of confusion and address them proactively, using analogies, visual aids, or stories familiar to their audience. This clarity allows the knowledge to be transferable and applicable beyond its initial context, fostering learning and innovation.

On the contrary, struggling to explain something without overcomplicating or becoming vague often exposes gaps in comprehension. Complex topics require internalization and synthesis, turning disparate pieces of information into a cohesive whole. The process of teaching or explaining to others often serves as a litmus test, forcing the explainer to confront assumptions, clarify ambiguities, and cement their own grasp of the material.

Being able to explain something simply is also an exercise in empathy, considering the listener’s perspective and needs. It builds a bridge between expert and novice, laying the groundwork for effective education and collaboration. Ultimately, simplicity in explanation is not a mark of oversimplification or triviality, but rather a testament to mastery. Those who can articulate complex ideas with elegance and clarity have done the hard work of internalizing knowledge, demonstrating not only what they know, but how deeply they understand.