Maps of Meaning 05: Story and Metastory (Part 1)

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Summary

Peterson explains why people see so little of the world. The brain simplifies reality to help action.

Old theories said people build a full model of the world. Then they act and check for matches. Mismatches cause an orienting reflex.

Experiments like the gorilla video show this is wrong. People miss big changes if they focus on a task. The brain only sees what matters to the goal.

Value systems decide what to see. Goals shape perception. Emotions track progress toward goals.

Motivations set frames with aims. Emotions show if things go well or badly.

Stories are basic units for action. They guide behaviour in a complex world.

The world appears as tools or obstacles. Most things stay invisible.

Key Takeaways

• The world is too complex to see fully. The brain filters most of it.

• People see only what helps the current goal.

• Old models of perception were wrong. Change blindness shows this.

• Value structures decide what appears relevant.

• Motivations create frames with goals. Emotions track progress.

• Positive emotion means good progress. Negative emotion means obstacles.

• Stories simplify action in a complex world.

• Objects appear as tools or barriers. Irrelevant things vanish.

• Frames make most of reality invisible. This aids survival.

• Science sees the world as objects. Daily life sees it as a place to act.

• Both views are needed. They serve different aims.

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