Several problems can be written as [x,x]=0 where the unknown x is an element of degree one in a graded Lie algebra. I show that general relativity (the Einstein vacuum equations) can also be put in this form. Using this language, I discuss formal perturbation theory; gauge-fixing; and some open problems. Familiarity with general relativity is not assumed, in fact this talk can be taken to be some kind of introduction to general relativity. Based on arxiv.org/abs/1412.5561. Joint work with Eugene Trubowitz.