Have you ever tried to explain a complex idea to someone who has no background knowledge of it?
It can be a challenging task, often met with confusion or disbelief. Two concepts that seem to fit this bill are gravity and Bitcoin. While they are vastly different in their nature, both require a solid understanding of their underlying principles to be fully appreciated. In this post, we'll explore the similarities between these two seemingly unrelated subjects and discuss how to approach understanding them.
Gravity: A Tale of Invisible Forces
Gravity is a fundamental force that has been shaping our universe since the beginning of time. It's responsible for keeping our feet firmly planted on the ground and the planets orbiting around the sun. However, explaining the concept of gravity to someone who has no understanding of it can be difficult. Even intelligent individuals from the past, who had little to no scientific background, might have struggled to comprehend it and considered the person explaining it strange.
Bitcoin: The Enigma of Digital Currency
Similarly, Bitcoin has emerged as a revolutionary digital asset that has taken the world by storm. With its decentralized nature and secure transactions, it's attracting investors and enthusiasts alike. But just like gravity, Bitcoin can be confusing for some people, particularly because it requires a good understanding of how it works to fully appreciate its potential.
Approaching Complex Concepts with an Open Mind
When faced with complex subjects like gravity or Bitcoin, it's important to approach them with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Understanding these concepts doesn't happen overnight, but with patience and persistence, we can unravel their mysteries.
Start with the basics: Begin by learning the fundamental principles that underpin the concept. For gravity, this would involve understanding the basic laws of motion and universal gravitation. For Bitcoin, it's essential to learn about blockchain technology and how transactions are carried out. (Highly recommend “Inventing Bitcoin” by Yan Pritzker)
Seek out reliable sources: Look for reputable sources of information, like textbooks, research articles, or trusted experts in the field. This will help ensure that the knowledge you gain is accurate and up-to-date. (Make your own Twitter list or use my Bitcoin Twitter list here.)
Break it down into manageable chunks: Complex subjects can often be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, more digestible pieces to make it easier to grasp the bigger picture.
Be patient and persistent: It's okay if you don't understand everything right away. Keep at it, and eventually, the pieces will fall into place.
Conclusion
Understanding gravity can be hard for people who don't know about it. Even smart people from a long time ago, without scientific knowledge, might not get it and think the person explaining is weird.
Just like that, Bitcoin can be confusing for some folks, because one needs a good understanding of how it works to get it.