ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Homotopy Lie algebra

Alright kiddo, let me try to explain what a homotopy lie algebra is!

First, do you remember what a lie algebra is? No worries if you don't, I'll explain it again. A lie algebra is like a special type of math group where instead of adding things together, we "multiply" them using something called a "bracket" operation. This bracket thing helps us understand how different objects in the group "interact" with each other.

Now, a homotopy lie algebra is like a special kind of lie algebra where we can "deform" the bracket operation without changing the group too much. It's like bending a wire into different shapes without breaking it, if that makes sense.

In other words, a homotopy lie algebra lets us "play" with the bracket operation. We can change it around sometimes, but still keep the same basic rules for how the group works overall. This can be helpful when we want to study how different mathematical structures relate to each other.

So there you have it, a homotopy lie algebra is just like a lie algebra, but with a bit of extra flexibility in how we use the bracket operation. Hope that helps you understand!