The idea is you have a set of things that you know and a problem to solve. Sometimes you think you know enough but are wrong. Sometimes you think you don't know enough but are wrong. In one case you should have taken the time to learn more. In the other case you could have finished sooner if you got straight to work instead of learning something new.
I started thinking about this and made a list. I'm curious if there are mathematical models that resemble it.
You want to move from point A to point B through a non fixed set of obstacles.
You have a starting set of tools.
You have a fixed amount of time.
Obtaining a tool takes time.
Using a tool takes time.
Tools can eliminate obstacles.
Tools can create obstacles.