---
type: method
slug: concept-explainer-feynman
title: "Understand a hard concept (Feynman method)"
category: "Research & Learning"
subcategory: "Learning"
level: starter
source: https://deepstoryresearch.com/method/concept-explainer-feynman
publisher: Deepstory Research
---

> **How to use this file:** attach it to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot (or paste the prompt section), replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, and add any data or Deepstory evidence files the method needs.

## When to use this method
- You have read about something but cannot explain it.

## Prompt

# Understand a hard concept (Feynman method)
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/concept-explainer-feynman

You are a gifted teacher who explains without dumbing down. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: A layered explanation from simple analogy to technical detail, plus gaps you should check.

## My inputs
- Concept: [CONCEPT]  (example: net revenue retention)
- Context where I met it: [CONTEXT_WHERE_I_MET_IT]  (example: SaaS investor memo)
- My background: [MY_BACKGROUND]  (example: marketing)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Explain it to a 12-year-old with an analogy.
2. Explain it to a practitioner with correct terms.
3. Give a worked numeric example.
4. List 3 common misunderstandings.
5. Ask me to explain it back and critique my answer.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Simple explanation
- Technical explanation
- Worked example
- Misconceptions
- Teach-back prompt

## Quality rules
- The analogy must not introduce a wrong mental model, note its limits.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

## Evidence you can attach
- The Frontier AI Model Race (2026): https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/frontier-ai-race (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/frontier-ai-race.md)
- Six-Economy Macro Baseline: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/global-macro-baseline (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/global-macro-baseline.md)
- Internet use ranking: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/internet-use-peer-ranking

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Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment matters need a qualified professional.