Why have there been so many "<complicated topic> explained to 8-yr old" posts?

It's great that the gist of things can be explained (most complicated things have simple premises), but the devil's in the details!

Because offering a simple, intuitive explanation that doesn't skimp on details is a hallmark of expertise, and the holy grail of education.

We like it because it works, and because it's a show of craftsmanship. Very much like hacking, I suppose.

That first sentence is beautiful. Well said.

Is it just me who kinda hates formulas. They so counter intuitive.

Nope: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=733113