Debits and credits and confusion; Oh My!!?

Debits and credits and confusion; Oh My!!

I am pretty smart and usually understand things pretty easily including anatomy and physiology. But I read about debits and credits in two different books on financial accounting, plus looked it up in wikipedia, and it has got to be one of the most confusing, non-sensical concepts I have ever run across. The books start by saying this will simplify the book keeping, and then proceed to an explanation that doesn't make any sense at all. Did they do this on purpose just to confuse people and make them feel stupid?

Can anyone explain "Debits and Credits" to me in a way that actually makes sense? I usually remember things better when they fit together well, like pieces of a puzzle that work together. Can anyone give me anything to help me learn this concept?

Thanks!