> I've always defined my level of expertise in an area in relation to how easily I can explain it to someone who knows absolutely nothing about it. The more eas

> I've always defined my level of expertise in an area in relation to how easily I can explain it to someone who knows absolutely nothing about it. The more easily I can explain it, the more likely it is that I understand it really well. I agree with this and here is something I have read which is related to this principle albeit different subject matter: "It is true intelligence for a man to take a subject that is mysterious and great in itself, and to unfold and simplify it so that a child can understand it." And an example from just an hour ago — my dad asked why is that RAM is used, which loses its contents, as opposed to something like USB flash stick? I had learn this past semester about this and explained it to him and asked if it was clear and he said yes. It's an awesome feeling to explain something you've learnt to another and have them understand it though usually in a simple manner. One thing I've noticed though is sometimes people explain something technical to someone and claim to simplify it, especially through using analogies, and in the end the person understands a near 'incorrect' version of whatever principle/idea was being explained.