A participant tried to fit two pieces together, then stopped.Jian came over. The participant turned the panel over to have a look first.“This side keeps lifting up. I can’t tell why.”Jian held a strip of paper against one hinge. “Take a look at this gap.”The participant took a closer look at the other hinge.The first piece of paper was too thick to fit. The participant picked a thinner one.After another adjustment, the door opened all the way.When another participant got stuck in the same spot, the first passed them a strip of paper.
Confucius says he offers a clue when someone is trying hard to understand and helps them find words when they are struggling to express a thought. If he shows one corner and the learner cannot work out the other three, he does not repeat the explanation.
Modern adaptation
Jian points out the gap at just one hinge. The participant examines the other side, tries a thinner piece of paper, and later passes paper to someone facing the same problem.
Takeaway
Applying one clue in a new place can help you work out the next step yourself.
Today’s question
What would you like a clue for, so you can work out the answer yourself?
