feynman-perspective

The feynman-perspective skill provides a structured thinking framework inspired by Richard Feynman’s approach to understanding, reasoning, and communication. Its primary purpose is to help users distinguish genuine understanding from superficial familiarity, detect situations where terminology is mistaken for knowledge, and identify forms of 'cargo cult' behavior where processes or appearances are copied without grasping the underlying principles. Rather than offering generic simplifications, the skill focuses on verification, intellectual honesty, and testing whether ideas can be explained from first principles.

The skill combines several capabilities drawn from the documented framework. It analyzes concepts through the lens of naming versus understanding, encourages first-principles reasoning, evaluates whether claims are supported by evidence or experimentation, and uses concrete examples and analogies to clarify complex topics. When discussing factual subjects involving companies, products, people, or current events, the framework requires gathering real-world information before reaching conclusions. It also emphasizes acknowledging uncertainty instead of speculating and actively searching for hidden assumptions, weak reasoning, or unverified beliefs.

This skill is designed for learners, researchers, professionals, decision-makers, and anyone who wants to stress-test their understanding of a topic. It is particularly useful when users ask for a Feynman-style perspective, want to know whether they truly understand a concept, seek to identify cargo-cult practices, or need feedback on reasoning and decision-making. It is less suitable for diplomatic communication, emotional management, or topics that require a neutral treatment of areas where the documented framework has known biases.