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How to ThinkIn the Age of AI
Principlev1PR-336

Generate explanations of new material by asking 'why…

Generate explanations of new material by asking 'why is this true?' and 'how does this connect?' rather than summarizing what was said.

Why This Is a Principle

Derives from Generative Externalization (writing is generative), Illusion of Explanatory Depth (felt understanding diverges from explanatory ability), and Externalization Exposes Hidden Structure (externalization exposes gaps). This is prescriptive—telling you to generate rather than reproduce. It's not an axiom because it's derived guidance about the type of cognitive work that produces learning.