We all have different experiences in the world. Sometimes our beliefs do not align with reality, and we may hold fundamental core beliefs that contradict how others perceive the world. This is exemplified in the quote, “the map is not the territory.”
In short, even though we may have a certain belief set and perceive the world in a specific way, we may have cognitive presuppositions that shape our central cognitive map. The nature of a cognitive map is that it is ever-evolving and always changing.
This reminds me of why I love to be wrong. When you are right, you do not really learn anything. The only thing you learn when your map of the world turns out to be true is that you were right and that your map was correct. However, the great thing about being wrong is that you actually get to learn something. You have the opportunity to update your map and gain a better overview of the territory.
That is why I appreciate when I stumble upon something I have gotten wrong. I gain the experience and the chance to learn something new, allowing me to adapt my map to approximate a closer representation of reality.
The Role of Feedback
Feedback from others plays a significant role in updating the cognitive map one holds in life. The world is infinitely complex, far more than we can comprehend as a single organism. This complexity is why we often delegate our interactions with the world to other people.
Specifically, our behavior is either reinforced or discouraged. For instance, when we act against societal norms, people may respond with looks that convey disapproval. When we say something that the majority finds inappropriate or behave in a way that contradicts societal expectations, people usually communicate their disapproval either explicitly or implicitly through body language, such as a turn of the head or changes in tonality.
Feedback is one of the cornerstones in updating cognitive maps, and we regulate our emotions and perceptions of the world by observing how others perceive us.
Stated differently, our behavior is influenced by societal norms, and feedback from others helps us adjust our perceptions.
- Social Reinforcement: Our actions are either reinforced or discouraged by societal responses.
- Body Language: Disapproval is often communicated through non-verbal cues, such as changes in tonality or body language.
This feedback loop is essential for regulating our emotions and perceptions.
This reminds me of a saying I often use when I feel uncertain: “I am sheeple, I follow the injunctive norms of my people“.
As an example of what I mean by this is that when I am in a group of 20 people and 19 of them want to engage in a certain activity, I tend to participate as well because the injunctive norm is to join in that activity.
Embracing a Growth Mindset for Lifelong Learning
To be willing to update one’s cognitive map presupposes a growth mindset, allowing individuals to view the world as an opportunity to learn rather than a fixed entity.
Learning is enjoyable, and there is always more to learn!
This is exemplified by some of the greatest writers in history who have become more prolific as they age. They produce more work as they grow older because they want to share their knowledge with the masses. Thus, a growth mindset is essential.
Perception vs. Reality: Key Takeaways
To summarize, keep in mind that the map is not the territory. Your perception of the world is not necessarily representative of how the world is in actuality. Be willing to learn and make use of the vast amount of knowledge contained within the collective unconscious of everyone on the planet.
Put differently, we can continually update our cognitive maps. This approach not only enhances our understanding but also enriches our lives.
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