Comedy is based on the rule of three.
Something happens. It gets repeated. This establishes a pattern. The third time? That’s when things change.
Hilarity ensues.
Plumbing. The first time was an emergency. The second time, things were easier.
By the third time my pipes were blocked, I knew what to do and things flowed along smoothly.
Mountain biking new trails is similar.
Pre-ride, re-ride, free ride!
The first time, it just is what it is.
The goal is to chunk along as best you can and figure out where things are and what’s ahead.
The second ride is an opportunity to hit a couple of features and get a better feel for things.
The third ride? That’s when it’s time to hit everything possible. Tires leave the ground. Everything moves much more quickly.
Everything flows.
Where else do you see the rule of three?
The Golden Ratio is approximately 1/3. When you apply it vertically and horizontally you get a grid of 9. Yes, the same grid some cameras will impose on a potential photo through the viewfinder to help you compose a visually appealing image.
Our ears and eyes enjoy singularity, symmetry and the rule of three. They all provide interest. I struggle with jazz because of the deconstruction. My ear wants order. Ditto, my eyes. I have a deep love of good design.
Oh, and never light three on a match. An old adage from WWI. In the foxhole, you light a cigarette for a friend: the enemy calculates the range to your location. Light another friend's cigarette: your enemy aims. As you light another: the enemy fires. With an accurate distance and aim, someone is a goner.
There's no difference between humour and three on a match. 1- they find you 2-they confirm what's happening 3-they execute. The results can be funny or deadly - it depends on their goal.
Teaching a course...or even just a single lesson.