Another example of what we see being dictated by what else we see. And how two things that are the same look completely different in different contexts. Below, the circles match between both pictures, same with the chess set. It’s only the background that differs. But, what looks different to you? Do you ever wonder what else your brain does…
Category: Contemplations
What will students benefit from?
Too many teachers teach everything one can know, or they try to teach everything they think one can know. In technical subjects this turns into voluminous works that are hard to get through. And most of the information is forgotten as fast as it’s consumed. My criteria, something I battle with, is picking what people will benefit from knowing. And…
It’s not more efficient
99% of the time when someone asks you what the most efficient way to do something is, you respond with the way you’re used to doing things. We all do this. For example, if you ask me what the most efficient way to type an email is, I’m likely to tell you gmail. That’s because I use gmail every day.…
Beliefs Before Reasons
As much as we’d all like to believe that our beliefs are rooted in reason, that’s simply not the case. Most of our beliefs come first, and then we seek facts to back them up. Beliefs come before reasons. It is very rare to use facts alone to change our beliefs. Don’t believe me? Go to facebook and look at…
If you follow the “rules”
You will never be successful.
New mindset: Liking is Familiarity
Adding this to the list of Mindsets: Liking is Familiarity Valence of familiarity dictates whether you like or dislike something. Neutral to positive experiences lead to liking. Negative experiences tend to result in dislike.
Overconfidence is oft inadequacy
Often, I hear people blame overconfidence when self-esteem is the culprit. For example, have you ever listened to someone speak, someone that goes into way too much detail? Some would suggest the presenter is trying to be a know it all. That’s nonsense. The problem is a sense of inadequacy. When you have low self-esteem, you feel like you have…
Inadvertent influence
People are obsessed with how they can control other people and yet don’t realize that every day they inadvertently influence many of the people around them. Instead of wondering about control, ask yourself how you might be inadvertently influencing someone in a negative way. If your attitude sucks, the people around you will be grumpy too. If you smile, other…
It works!
Today I was talking with Jonathan and I mentioned my enthusiasm about a project I’m working on, I said “Tomorrow is the day I find out if it works.” The culmination of quite a bit of work. He seemed bewildered, and asked, “Don’t you already know that it’ll work?” This gave me pause. How perspicacious. Indeed I did already know…