Explain Like I'm Five · by Nicolás Díaz · 2026-09-20

My favorite low-effort upgrade for explainers from my quiet Sunday notes

I tried this in Toronto with a friend and we both noticed the same thing: the social part mattered more than the perfect plan.

My current rule is simple: if it takes less than 8 minutes to prepare, I am much more likely to keep doing it.

89 sparks · 10 comments

Comments

Rafael Almeida · 11 likes

Excellent timing; I was just thinking about upgrade. It sounds small, but the practice run matters.

Marco Conti · 4 likes

I wish more posts had this much context. I care less about the perfect answer and more about repeatability.

Ananya Rao · 10 likes

Now I want a spreadsheet.

Isha Menon · 2 likes

That sounds great until you add children/pets/deadlines.

Tola Ibrahim · 2 likes

That is a much better way to say it.

Tola Ibrahim · 1 likes

This is the gentle version of my rant.

Priya Nair · 1 likes

Appreciate the nuance.

Tola Ibrahim · 2 likes

I am saving this for the next time I overthink quiet. This pairs weirdly well with ramen. Glad you shared the messy version too.

Solar Mango · 2 likes

The conclusion is too broad, but the example is interesting. It reminds me of a very specific conversation near a tiny balcony.

Midnight Coder · 1 likes

The boring logistics are always the hidden part. This would have saved me a lot of trial and error.