You have to climb up to get down.
https://gyazo.com/1a87ed59b73d84b58f18486cbdf84333
The figure is used to discuss activated energy. For example, if we want to obtain energy by burning charcoal, we first need to heat the charcoal. To obtain energy, energy must first be given. This initial energy is the activation energy.
If a person at the top of a small mountain wants to go higher, he/she needs to climb down the mountain and climb higher. You want to climb higher, but you need to get off the mountain.
In general, if we wish to be more X when we are at our most X locally, we must first move in a NOT X direction.
Another physical metaphor is "[You have to crouch before you jump. The literary expression is "It is darkest before dawn" (I wonder if this is true?).
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