Analogy

Purpose

Invocation

• /cw-analogy [concept]

  — Generate analogies for the specified concept

• /cw-analogy

  — System asks "What concept do you want to explain?" then generates options
• Works on selection if provided, asks if not

How to Generate

1. Understand the concept — What's the core mechanism or principle?
2. Identify the audience — What do they already know? What's familiar to them?
3. Find parallel structures — What everyday experiences share the same underlying pattern?
4. Generate 3 analogies from different domains:
   • Physical/tangible world
   • Human relationships or social dynamics
   • Common activities or processes
5. Test each analogy:
   • Does it illuminate the concept?
   • Does it hold up under scrutiny (or break in misleading ways)?
   • Is it accessible to the target audience?

Output Format

## Analogy Options

### Option 1: [Domain]
[The analogy explained in 2-3 sentences]

### Option 2: [Domain]
[The analogy explained in 2-3 sentences]

### Option 3: [Domain]
[The analogy explained in 2-3 sentences]

---

Which clicks? Or want me to explore a different angle?

Principles

• Familiar vehicle, unfamiliar cargo — The analogy should come from something the reader knows well
• Structural, not surface — The best analogies share underlying mechanisms, not just superficial features
• Know the limits — Every analogy breaks down somewhere; know where yours does
• Concrete beats abstract — "It's like a thermostat" beats "It's like a feedback loop"

What to Avoid

• Analogies that require as much explanation as the original concept
• Clichéd comparisons (tip of the iceberg, double-edged sword)
• Analogies that mislead more than they illuminate
• Mixing metaphors

Lessons