"有三类人：看得见的人，被展示时看得见的人，看不见的人。"

The idea behind this quote is that people can be grouped into three categories based on their ability to perceive and understand things. Some people are naturally perceptive and aware of their surroundings and situations. Others need a bit of guidance or a push to understand what’s going on. And then, there are those who remain oblivious no matter what.

Historically, this quote is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. He was a man of many talents—an artist, an inventor, a scientist. He had an extraordinary ability to see and understand things that most people of his time couldn’t. So, when da Vinci talked about these three classes of people, he was speaking from experience. He saw firsthand how some people grasped new concepts immediately, how others needed detailed explanations, and how some just never got it, no matter how much you tried.

Let’s make this real with an example we all can relate to—the workplace. Picture this: you’re part of a team working on a new project. The first type of person is like your colleague Jane. Jane just gets it. She takes one look at the project brief, and she’s already mapping out a strategy in her head. She sees the big picture, foresees potential hurdles, and starts problem-solving right away.

Then there’s Mark. Mark’s smart, but he needs a bit of help to see things clearly. You sit down with him, explain the project step-by-step, maybe even draw a few diagrams. Once he sees the whole thing laid out, he’s on board and contributes valuable ideas.

And then, there’s Dave. Poor Dave. No matter how many times you explain the project, no matter how many meetings you have, he just doesn’t get it. He’s still asking basic questions when everyone else has moved on to the details.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? First, recognize which category you fall into. Are you a Jane, a Mark, or a Dave? If you’re a Jane, use your vision to lead and inspire others. If you’re a Mark, don’t be afraid to ask for clarity when you need it. And if you’re a Dave, well, it might be time to develop new strategies for learning and understanding. Maybe you need to change your approach, seek out different resources, or find a mentor who can guide you.

Imagine you’re teaching your little brother how to ride a bike. If he’s a Jane, he might balance himself and start pedaling with just a bit of your help. If he’s a Mark, he might need you to hold the bike and guide him a bit longer, offering encouragement and correcting his posture. But if he’s a Dave, he might keep tipping over even after several tries. He may need more than just your guidance—perhaps additional training wheels or a different teaching method.

In conclusion—see, I almost used one of the forbidden phrases—it’s all about knowing where you stand and how to move forward from there. Whether you’re a natural, need a bit of help, or are completely in the dark, there’s always a way to improve your understanding and perception. And once you know which kind of person you’re dealing with, you can tailor your approach to help them see what they’re missing.