The Impact of Analogies in Simplifying Complex Concepts
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Chapter 1: Understanding Complexity Through Analogy
In life, we often encounter intricate concepts. The challenge lies in transforming these complexities into understandable terms.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash (Note: The image caption above contains a spelling mistake. It should read “similes” instead of “similies.”)
As a lecturer in chemical engineering, I frequently observe students struggling to grasp their course material. My role is to facilitate their understanding so we can advance to more complex topics.
Chemical engineering is inherently challenging, involving a blend of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. If students are unable to visualize the concepts, how can they be expected to perform the necessary calculations for various topics covered in their studies?
This often leads to rote memorization, which is not beneficial for their learning.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, I found myself with extra time and began exploring health issues from an engineering perspective. This exploration revealed that the healthcare sector is filled with complexities that often leave the average person confused about their health conditions.
For instance, consider the issue of “high cholesterol.” Is the prevailing understanding of cholesterol all there is to it?
The current narrative surrounding cholesterol serves as a convenient way for physicians to manage their overwhelming patient loads. With many doctors experiencing burnout from their demanding schedules, explaining the intricate mechanisms behind cholesterol buildup is often impractical when quick solutions like statin prescriptions exist. This has led to the cliché remark: “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning.”
So, how can we simplify such complex ideas into digestible parts?
The answer lies in the power of analogy. Growing up in a Christian environment, I learned about parables and analogies from Jesus Christ, renowned as an exceptional teacher. I realized I could adapt this method for my own teaching and writing.
For the cholesterol issue, I created an analogy comparing cholesterol accumulation to a bank account.
Understanding How Cholesterol Accumulates in Our Body
Is comprehending cholesterol accumulation as straightforward as tracking our bank account balances?
The first aspect to grasp about “high cholesterol” is that it represents an accumulation of cholesterol. Just as we have a “high” bank balance when we save enough money, elevated cholesterol levels indicate a buildup in our bodies.
Next, we must consider how this accumulation occurs over time, focusing on what enters and exits. In our bank accounts, we accumulate wealth only when our income exceeds our expenses.
Thus, if our income consistently surpasses our outgoings, we see a positive balance. Conversely, if our expenses exceed our income, we face deficits.
Can we apply this analogy further?
Absolutely! The same concept can be applied to cholesterol in our bodies. Cholesterol accumulates when the amount we consume exceeds what we eliminate. Hence, understanding cholesterol involves examining both its intake and excretion rates.
This analogy has proven beneficial not only in my teaching but also in my writing endeavors. I can use the bank account analogy to help students grasp material balances in designing chemical reactors while simultaneously educating health-conscious individuals through my written work. Surprisingly, this mass balance concept may also shed light on bone health and joint health issues.
Finding the right analogy is not always easy. It must resonate with the concept being described and be relatable. A bank account analogy works well because most people are familiar with how bank accounts function, yet they might not see the connection between financial health and joint health, for instance.
As I often jokingly remind my engineering students, “Do you realize how impactful this tool of quantitative reasoning is? It can lead trained engineers into the financial realm!”
The essence is in crafting appropriate analogies—concepts that people can relate to, enabling communication on a similar wavelength. Medical jargon can often be overly complex, and medical professionals may not always simplify information for laypersons.
This is where my writing finds its purpose: to distill medical science and the biochemical mechanisms in the human body into relatable content. While this task can be challenging and some of my articles may not resonate, others, like the one on cholesterol accumulation, have gained traction. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the simplification of knowledge.
If I can convey complex biochemical processes in an accessible manner, other writers can also employ this technique to clarify intricate concepts in their fields, thereby educating their audiences effectively.
Joel Yong, PhD, is a biochemical engineer/scientist, educator, and writer. He has authored five eBooks available on Amazon.com in Kindle format and co-authored six journal articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
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Chapter 2: The Power of Analogy in Communication
In this podcast episode, John Pollack discusses how analogies can enhance communication and understanding, making complex ideas more accessible.
John Pollack's TEDx talk explores the hidden power of analogies and how they can simplify our understanding of intricate concepts, making them more relatable.