Knowledge Puzzles. The greatest analogy that I've heard to date. Its actually mostly ridiculous how often I use it. I learned that people who have learned to take apart their puzzle to fit a new piece in are not always compatible with people who refuse to do so and jam in or throw out their pieces. It can cause a person great amounts of frustration. But do you know what that's taught me? Patience, patience and understanding. To be able to explain to someone how I see it, and to listen how they see it, and if we don't agree, I can accept that and not be mean about it.
More importantly, I was taught what to do with my knowledge puzzle and new pieces. How to think critically. I honestly believe that the opportunity to learn that should be open to all students in high school.