• The Science of Laziness: Understanding System 1 vs System 2

    The Science of Laziness: Understanding System 1 vs System 2

    Thinking back to my time in the military, I spent my final year as a naval officer drowning in paperwork. Creating countless training plans and reports was exhausting work, but the hardest part wasn’t the content itself—it was tailoring those reports to suit the tastes of my superiors. Trying to satisfy three different commanders above me was an incredibly frustrating task.

    Through that tedious, nerve-wracking struggle, I learned a few golden rules of report writing experimentally: “Don’t use difficult words” and “Actively utilize diagrams, shapes, and tables.” While experience taught me that these rules were important, it was only later, reading Daniel Kahneman’s seminal work Thinking, Fast and Slow, that I understood the theoretical reason why.

    It all comes down to how our brains process information, specifically the interplay of System 1 vs System 2.

    The Emotional Animal That Thinks

    Before diving into the systems, we must understand that humans feel emotions first and think second. The organ responsible for this is the brain. When making choices or decisions, the brain relies on memories based on ‘experience’ and ‘learning.’ Crucially, these memories are formed based on the emotions felt at that specific moment.

    Emotion is the raw material in the process of memory formation. In other words, humans are not rational animals that happen to feel; we are emotional animals that happen to think. Every judgment a human makes contains emotion—even, scientists argue, among those with the most analytical minds, the balance of System 1 vs System 2 is always at play. And our brains make countless judgments every single day.

    Even when we are lying blankly in bed or walking aimlessly, our brains are busy accepting vast amounts of information, judging it, and acting upon it. It sounds strange to hear our brains are busy when we feel like we are zoning out, but that is when the automatic parts of our minds are hardest at work.

    A conceptual illustration visualizing the duality of the human mind: the fast, intuitive System 1 vs System 2, the slow, analytical thinker.
    A conceptual illustration visualizing the duality of the human mind: the fast, intuitive System 1 vs System 2, the slow, analytical thinker.

    The Automatic Slave and The Lazy Boss

    Kahneman introduces two systems in the brain. Technically, these refer to different brain areas: ‘System 1’ largely involves the limbic system (governing emotions), and ‘System 2’ involves the prefrontal cortex (responsible for complex thought). However, the terms “System 1” and “System 2” are far more intuitive.

    Our brain’s judgment depends entirely on how much System 2 gets involved in the work of System 1. This dynamic of System 1 vs System 2 defines our cognitive life.

    • System 1 (The Automatic Slave): This system operates automatically and quickly, with little or no effort and no sense of voluntary control. It processes information momently from the surrounding environment, feels emotions based on it, and acts on automatic reflexes. It reports ready-made solutions to System 2, essentially asking, “Shall we just do this?”
    • System 2 (The Lazy Boss): This system allocates attention to the effortful mental activities that demand it, including complex computations. The problem is, System 2 is inherently lazy. When System 1 presents a solution based on routine, System 2 usually just gives it a “PASS” stamp without checking.

    So, how do we make this lazy boss work? The answer is to make System 2 uncomfortable.

    Cognitive Ease vs. Cognitive Strain

    What does “uncomfortable” mean to the brain? It means unfamiliar emotions, seeing things for the first time, difficulty, and complexity. These things create what Kahneman calls “Cognitive Strain.” This strain forces the interaction of System 1 vs System 2 to change.

    When System 2 receives a report that is unfamiliar or difficult to understand at a glance, veins start popping on its metaphorical forehead. It is forced to wake up, re-read the report from the beginning, and engage in deep processing. It either tries to understand the difficult concept, gives up entirely, or attempts to substitute the difficult concept with familiar, easier ones to make a guess.

    This process perfectly mirrored my interaction with superiors reviewing my reports. If a training plan was routine, the superior (acting like a lazy System 2) would just skim the formatting and typos. This is “Cognitive Ease.”

    However, when planning a new type of training or one for which data was old and scarce, it induced “Cognitive Strain.” It was a headache for everyone. I had to study deeper to explain it clearly, and the superior had to expend mental energy to understand it.

    Ultimately, a “well-written report” in the military context meant a report crafted so skillfully that it optimized the System 1 vs System 2 response of my superior, ensuring it didn’t trigger an overly critical state.

    The Evolutionary Reason We Are Lazy

    Let’s bring this back to a personal level. Our judgments change depending on whether System 2 is experiencing comfort (Cognitive Ease) or discomfort (Cognitive Strain).

    Evolutionarily, the brain is designed to pursue “Cognitive Ease” as its default setting, heavily favoring System 1. The battle of System 1 vs System 2 is usually won by the former because it’s cheaper.

    The brain consumes about 20% of the total energy our bodies use in a day. For a single organ to use 20% is enormous. In the environments of our ancestors, where food was scarce, increasing the body’s energy consumption was highly disadvantageous for survival. It is only natural that the brain evolved to use only its basic quota whenever possible and expend extra energy only in special circumstances.

    Therefore, it is entirely natural that we prefer lying in bed, giggling mindlessly at YouTube videos, or avoiding conversations with people holding opposing political views. We are evolved to seek Cognitive Ease, letting System 1 run the show.

    An evolutionary comparison showing why the dynamic of System 1 vs System 2 favors laziness to conserve energy, despite modern abundance.
    An evolutionary comparison showing why the dynamic of System 1 vs System 2 favors laziness to conserve energy, despite modern abundance.

    Conclusion: Challenging Your Inner Lazy Boss

    We aren’t broken; we are evolved for a different world. The irony is that our environment has changed drastically. We now live in a unique environment where food is abundant and information is readily available to anyone with the will to find it. Energy replenishment is free, yet we are still programmed to minimize the energy expenditure of our decisions through the ingrained habits of System 1 vs System 2.

    I’ve read self-help books by successful people in various fields. Their paths to success were all different, but through Kahneman’s lens, I seem to have found a commonality. Perhaps successful people are those who recognize this abundant environment and, when making choices, willingly embrace “Cognitive Strain,” forcing a debate between System 1 vs System 2 to improve the quality of their thinking.

    Thinking about it this way, I realize I still have a long way to go. I need to reduce the number of times I choose to procrastinate on tasks because “I’m not ready.” It’s time to wake up my inner lazy boss and engage System 2 more often.

    Further Reading for Context

  • Understanding Freedom and Resentment: 2 Key Psychological Forces Shaping Society

    Understanding Freedom and Resentment: 2 Key Psychological Forces Shaping Society

    In our modern lives, we are often driven by complex emotions we don’t fully understand. Why do we desire certain luxury goods? Why do societies sometimes voluntarily give up their hard-won liberties to embrace authoritarian regimes?

    By examining two profound philosophical concepts—Nietzsche’s “Ressentiment” and Erich Fromm’s analysis in Escape from Freedom—we can gain valuable insight into the psychology of freedom and resentment. Understanding these two forces is crucial to decoding both individual behaviors and larger societal trends.

    1. The Trap of Resentment (“Ressentiment”)

    The concept of Ressentiment is a sophisticated idea that encompasses our baser instincts of envy and inferiority. It is defined as a complex emotion composed of jealousy, hatred, and a sense of inferiority felt by those in a “weaker” position toward those they perceive as “stronger.”

    The renowned philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche suggested that we become trapped by ressentiment in two main ways:

    1. Subordination: Submitting to the standards set by the very subjects that trigger our ressentiment.
    2. Value Inversion: Flipping values upside down because the source of the ressentiment is unattainable.

    The Trap of Subordination: The Luxury Status Symbol

    A prime example of the first type is the modern obsession with luxury vehicles. For many men, premium brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Audi serve as symbols of wealth, authority, and masculine appeal.

    Automotive companies generate massive profits by leveraging the public’s ressentiment toward luxury car owners. Consequently, individuals who achieve some economic success often buy these cars specifically to resolve their own long-held ressentiment. The same dynamic applies to luxury watches, designer handbags, or prestigious real estate. We become subordinate to the very symbols we once envied.

    A man's face reflecting envy is visible in a luxury car window, illustrating the psychology of freedom and resentment regarding status symbols.
    A man’s face reflecting envy is visible in a luxury car window, illustrating the psychology of freedom and resentment regarding status symbols.

    The Defense Mechanism: The “Sour Grapes” Mentality

    In the second scenario, when an individual lacks the ability to achieve the object of their ressentiment—or when it is realistically impossible—they protect their psyche by distorting or devaluing that object.

    Returning to the luxury car example, a person trapped in this form of ressentiment might say:

    “What’s the point of owning a BMW? The fuel economy is terrible, and maintenance costs a fortune. I’m much happier with my economical car.”

    Recognizing whether we have fallen into this trap is crucial for personal growth. When submerged in ressentiment, we risk confusing “values we genuinely desire” with “values society rewards,” leading us to pursue goals that leave us feeling empty even if achieved.

    2. The Burden of Freedom (Escape from Freedom)

    While I am not a philosophy scholar, many are familiar with Erich Fromm’s seminal work, Escape from Freedom. Its central premise regarding the nature of “freedom” is deeply humbling and essential to understanding the dynamic of freedom and resentment.

    Fromm analyzed a terrifying historical paradox: Why did European citizens, who had achieved freedom through immense sacrifice, voluntarily succumb to totalitarian ideologies like Fascism and Communism?

    We often hear the adage, “Freedom comes with great responsibility.” This becomes viscerally real when you step out of highly structured environments into the open world. Suddenly, you face an endless barrage of questions about your future, career, and survival. You must find your own answers and lead yourself. The weight of constant decision-making can lead to paralyzing anxiety.

    The Escape into Conformity

    Fromm pointed out that the lower and middle classes were central supporters of Fascism. These citizens, having suddenly gained “freedom” from old monarchies, were adrift. They were unprepared to bear the burden of responsibility.

    Faced with the crushing weight and loneliness of true self-responsibility, they chose totalitarianism. They chose a system that promised to eliminate the need for constant, agonizing choices. This historical example perfectly illustrates the tension between the desire for freedom and resentment toward the burdens it imposes.

     A conceptual illustration showing a person at a crossroads, representing the difficult psychological interplay between individual freedom and resentment leading to totalitarianism.
    A conceptual illustration showing a person at a crossroads, representing the difficult psychological interplay between individual freedom and resentment leading to totalitarianism.

    For Fromm, true self-realization requires the courage and strength to live authentically, affirming one’s self thoroughly, and thinking and feeling independently.


    When Freedom and Resentment Collide in Society

    The psychology of freedom and resentment converges powerfully in the social and political arena.

    The ressentiment we feel toward those ahead of us in society can act as a binding force, maintaining the social reality. However, it more often protects the ego by inverting values—focusing on the flaws of successful people to convince ourselves we are better off not trying.

    The Biological Basis of Comparison

    Most humans cannot be entirely free from ressentiment. We are biologically wired to compare ourselves to others and derive satisfaction from relative superiority, a trait linked to serotonin levels and social dominance found even in chimpanzees. We feel superiority or relative deprivation based on our perceived social status compared to others.

    The Historical Danger

    This issue becomes critical because historical catastrophes have occurred when masses of people, unable to escape ressentiment, sought an escape from freedom.

    Consider post-WWI Germany, crushed by debt and despair. In a desperate nation where economic hope was non-existent, the will to challenge oneself was scarce. Hitler redirected the cause of this suffering externally, whipping up intense ressentiment. He offered a populace terrified of their bleak freedom an easy path: choose totalitarianism and let the state take control.

    History shows us that even if “freedom” is technically given, a society mired in the toxic interplay of freedom and resentment may fail to embrace that liberty constructively. Instead, it may make unwise, destructive choices—a danger that is particularly acute in democratic societies where power ultimately rests with the individual.

    Further Reading for Context

  • 5 Modern Physics Theories to Explain the Secrets of Our Universe

    5 Modern Physics Theories to Explain the Secrets of Our Universe

    When we dive into modern physics theories, we often expect a clear-cut map of how the universe works. Recently, I’ve been revisiting the fascinating world of science through a popular book titled The World According to Physics by Jim Al-Khalili. This read was inspired by a recommendation from a well-known science YouTuber, “리뷰엉이: Owl’s Review,” who described it as a bridge between complex science and public understanding.

    Expectations high, I opened the cover, hoping for a smooth journey through abstract concepts. However, my experience was a reminder that even the most “accessible” modern physics theories can be incredibly challenging for the human mind. The jump from classical mechanics to the quantum realm is not just a change in scale; it’s a fundamental shift in how we define “truth” and perceive the very fabric of existence.

    A person interacting with holographic screens representing various modern physics theories and cosmic data, with an open book in the foreground. The title "MODERN PHYSICS THEORIES: UNRAVELING REALITY" is prominently displayed.
    A person interacting with holographic screens representing various modern physics theories and cosmic data, with an open book in the foreground. The title “MODERN PHYSICS THEORIES: UNRAVELING REALITY” is prominently displayed.

    1. The Challenge of Quantum Intuition

    Honesty time: I found this book more taxing than Carlo Rovelli’s The Order of Time. While Rovelli offers a poetic and philosophical lens, Al-Khalili provides a denser, more rigorous overview of the field. As I mentioned in my previous post on The Subjectivity of Time, the way we perceive reality often clashes with mathematical evidence. This intellectual friction is precisely why modern physics theories demand a re-evaluation of our most basic assumptions about space, time, and causality.

    Yet, I don’t regret reading it for a second. This experience reinforced a crucial lesson: to truly understand the cosmos, you must engage with multiple perspectives. Even in a field that seems as systematic and objective as physics, relying on a single source can lead to a narrow understanding of the truth.

    2. Beyond a Single Perspective: Loop Quantum Gravity

    When I read Rovelli, I was mesmerized by Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG). It offered a lens through which the universe seemed elegantly explained—spacetime woven from tiny “quantum grains.” I accepted it as the definitive structure of reality. It felt as if I had acquired a new, powerful pair of glasses to view the world, one that showed the universe not as a smooth continuum, but as a discrete, pixelated entity.

    A scientific visualization of Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG), depicting the fabric of spacetime as a granular network of interconnected loops, appearing as a glowing sphere of light points against a dark, starry background.
    A scientific visualization of Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG), depicting the fabric of spacetime as a granular network of interconnected loops, appearing as a glowing sphere of light points against a dark, starry background.

    However, Al-Khalili’s book provided necessary context. I realized that LQG is just one of several modern physics theories attempting to unify quantum mechanics with gravity. There are others, like String Theory , that offer entirely different explanations, proposing that fundamental particles are not points but tiny vibrating strings. Understanding this doesn’t invalidate one theory; it highlights that we are still in the middle of a grand scientific debate, waiting for definitive experimental proof that currently lies beyond our technology.

    3. Why Do Physicists Disagree?

    It feels strange to an outsider: if all physicists have access to the same data, why do so many divergent modern physics theories exist? The answer lies in the nature of the quantum world itself. It operates outside the boundaries of human intuition. For more on how scientists collaborate and differ, you can check out my other post on The Objectivity of Science.

    Physicists have robust mathematical models that predict outcomes perfectly, but interpreting what those models mean about reality is where the greatest minds still disagree. We can measure what happens, but we struggle to explain “why” it happens in a way that makes sense to our macroscopic brains. This ongoing search for a unified interpretation is a hallmark of modern physics theories.

    4. The Core Paradox: The Double-Slit Experiment

    The most famous example of this intuitive breakdown is the Double-Slit Experiment. It proves that electrons behave as both particles and waves. But why does the act of observation change their behavior? This fundamental question lies at the heart of quantum mechanics and drives much of the development in modern physics theories.

     A diagram illustrating the double-slit experiment showing two distinct outcomes: on the left, an unobserved electron creates a wave interference pattern (WAVE INTERFERENCE PATTERN UNOBSERVED); on the right, an observed electron behaves as a particle, showing discrete hits (PARTICLE DETECTION OBSERVED). The title "MODERN PHYSICS THEORIES" is at the top.
    A diagram illustrating the double-slit experiment showing two distinct outcomes: on the left, an unobserved electron creates a wave interference pattern (WAVE INTERFERENCE PATTERN UNOBSERVED); on the right, an observed electron behaves as a particle, showing discrete hits (PARTICLE DETECTION OBSERVED). The title “MODERN PHYSICS THEORIES” is at the top.

    When unobserved, electrons act like waves, spreading out and creating an interference pattern. But the moment we use a camera to “watch” them or place a detector, they snap into behaving like solid particles, hitting the screen at a single point. This leads to two critical concepts within modern physics theories:

    • Quantum Entanglement: Particles remaining connected across vast distances, where a change in one instantly affects the other. This “spooky action at a distance,” as Einstein called it, challenges our classical understanding of locality.
    • Quantum Decoherence: The interaction with the environment that collapses the quantum state. This theory explains why the bizarre quantum world doesn’t manifest in our everyday macroscopic reality.

    5. The Role of the Observer and Reality

    In modern physics theories, the observer isn’t just a bystander; the act of measurement defines the reality we see. This profound insight forces us to reconsider the very nature of existence. Is there an objective reality independent of our observation? Or do we, through our interaction, bring a particular reality into being? This is why reading widely across different authors—from Al-Khalili to the legendary Stephen Hawking’s theories—is essential. Each author provides a different “map” for a territory that no human has truly seen with their own eyes.

    We are forced to confront the idea that the universe might not be a single, objective reality waiting to be discovered, but rather a complex web of interactions where our very presence as observers matters. This realization is both humbling and exhilarating, as it places human consciousness at the very heart of physical inquiry, making the study of modern physics theories not just about understanding the universe, but understanding our place within it.

    Conclusion: The Value of Reading Widely

    By comparing diverse modern physics theories—from the poetic grains of Loop Quantum Gravity to the structured overview in The World According to Physics—you gain a much richer understanding of our reality. It’s not about mastering complex math, but about appreciating the immense, beautiful puzzle we are still trying to solve. Every book you read adds another piece to that puzzle, bringing us one step closer to understanding the world we inhabit. Embrace the challenge, and keep exploring!

    Further Reading for Context

  • The Order of Time: 3 Key Insights on Physics & Reality

    Understanding the World Through Physics: Insights from ‘The Order of Time’

    I come from a science background but have always possessed a liberal arts sensibility. In high school, physics was a challenge, while the intricate mechanisms of biology captivated me. More than a decade after graduation, I assumed physics would no longer hold any significant sway over my life.

    This book, The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli, wasn’t recommended by anyone; the title simply caught my eye. It sat on my shelf for over a year before I finally picked it up. Although the only equation it presents is “∆S≥0” (The Second Law of Thermodynamics), grasping the concepts within “The Order of Time” was far from easy. I doubt I fully understood even half of it. Nevertheless, I struggled through it, grappling with the author’s teachings, and now wish to share the small, refreshing insights I gained about the nature of reality.

    Objective Time = Subjective Time

    We live within time. Our lives begin and end within its confines, and our very existence can be viewed as the flow of time itself. Time is a fair resource, available to everyone. Depending on how we spend it, we can lead lives revered by many or lives that pass as unnoticed as flowing water.

    Among the tools humanity possesses today, science is considered the most objective index for observing and understanding the world. Physics, in particular, explores the laws of the “physical world.” Through the lens of “The Order of Time,” I realized that objective physical “time” and my subjective thoughts on time are not so different—reminding me of the idea that all disciplines ultimately unify.

    The Arrow of Time: Understanding Entropy First

    To understand the physical basis of time as explored in “The Order of Time,” we must grasp a key concept. The formula below is crucial as it is the only indicator in fundamental physics that reveals a “flow” or direction of time.

    “∆S≥0”

    This is known as “The Second Law of Thermodynamics.” ‘S’ stands for entropy, which measures the level of disorder. The formula means ‘change in entropy is always greater than or equal to zero.’ In simpler terms, thermal energy never spontaneously decreases; heat always moves from a hot object to a cold one.

    When you pour hot water into a cold cup, heat transfers, and the cup gets hotter. Hot water has agitated molecules (high disorder), while a cold cup has relatively still molecules (order). Nature inherently moves from order to disorder. This increasing disorder is what we perceive as the flow of time, a central theme in “The Order of Time.”

    Diagram showing entropy increasing from order to disorder, illustrating a key concept in **The Order of Time**.
    Diagram showing entropy increasing from order to disorder, illustrating a key concept in The Order of Time.

    The Evolution of Physics: From Newton to Einstein

    To understand time, we must also look at space. The concepts have evolved significantly throughout history.

    Ancient philosophers like Aristotle believed time measured change and that true empty space couldn’t exist. Later, Newton introduced the concepts of “absolute time,” which flows regardless of any objects, and “absolute space.”

    Both viewed time and space as separate. Einstein revolutionized this, showing they are interwoven into “spacetime.” The physical reality of our universe is composed of fields formed by countless quanta. The most significant example affecting us is the gravitational field.

    Mass creates gravity, and gravity warps spacetime. The stronger the gravity, the slower time flows. A clock on a mountain ticks slightly faster than a clock at sea level. Furthermore, time slows down for objects in motion. As “The Order of Time” emphasizes, time is not absolute; it is relative.

    Conceptual illustration of Earth warping a spacetime grid, showing clocks running slower near the massive planet due to gravitational time dilation.
    Conceptual illustration of Earth warping a spacetime grid, showing clocks running slower near the massive planet due to gravitational time dilation.

    The Absence of a Universal “Now”

    Due to these relativistic characteristics, a universal “present” or “now” does not exist in the universe.

    Imagine a friend on a planet 4 light-years away. If you see them walking through a telescope, are they walking now? No, you are seeing light that left 4 years ago. There is no shared “now” across cosmic distances.

    “The Order of Time” explains that reality is structured not linearly, but in cones of “past” and “future” relative to an observer. Outside these cones is the “extended present,” with which we cannot have a causal relationship in this instant. Our perception of a shared present is a localized illusion. We must shift from perceiving the world as “things” to perceiving it as a network of “events.”

    A physics diagram showing light cones originating from an observer at 'Here and Now', separating the Future and Past from the Elsewhere.
    A physics diagram showing light cones originating from an observer at ‘Here and Now’, separating the Future and Past from the Elsewhere.

    Perceiving the World as “Events,” Not “Things”

    Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, once said, “Everyone is a book.”

    Reading “The Order of Time” gave this quote new meaning. A person, like a book, is a collection of traces (history) left in the world. By interacting with others, our brains—our neural wiring—grow and change.

    Life is a series of interactions. We are shaped by the people we meet and the pain we endure. A person is an event, a history. Depending on the interactions (physical and social events) we have, one specific future out of many possibilities emerges.

    The Quantum Nature of Time

    Physics, and Rovelli’s analysis in “The Order of Time,” tells us that time itself is essentially quantum. It has granularity; it is not continuous but composed of discrete “time quanta.”

    Furthermore, like electrons, time exists in a state of “quantum superposition” until it interacts with something physical. This interaction is what we call an event. A stopwatch clicking or receiving a test score are physical events that resolve the superposition of time into a specific reality.

    Abstract illustration showing time as discrete, glowing 'Time Quanta' packets moving in a direction, representing the quantum nature of time.
    Abstract illustration showing time as discrete, glowing ‘Time Quanta’ packets moving in a direction, representing the quantum nature of time.

    The Brain: Evolved to Predict the Future

    Why do we perceive time flow if it’s so complex? Because we evolved in an environment governed by entropy.

    Our brain’s primary job is to manage the body’s “budget” for survival. To do this efficiently in a world where entropy always increases, the brain evolved to predict.

    Our brain constantly uses past experiences to predict future events and adjust actions. Taking a test, dodging a flying ball—these are our brains navigating the flow of entropy by predicting outcomes. We are creatures designed to handle the uncertainty of the future.

    Infographic showing a human brain at the center, taking in Past Experiences and outputting Future Predictions to manage the Body Budget.
    Infographic showing a human brain at the center, taking in Past Experiences and outputting Future Predictions to manage the Body Budget.

    Conclusion: Knowledge Determines the Future

    The difference between dodging a ball and planning a career is just the scale of time. How our brain responds to these scales determines our future.

    I believe “self-assurance” is the ability to navigate this process. It’s about shaping the future by collapsing the probabilities of time in a desired direction.

    Physics, biology, philosophy—they all connect. Even with my limited understanding, I share these thoughts to emphasize the importance of reading. Integrating knowledge through reading is the tool that allows us to define our time and specify our future. The more tools you have to understand the world, the higher your chances of thriving. Carlo Rovelli’s “The Order of Time” is a challenging but powerful tool to add to your collection.

    A person walking along a glowing path emanating from an open book labeled with fields like Physics and Biology, symbolizing knowledge leading to the future.
    A person walking along a glowing path emanating from an open book labeled with fields like Physics and Biology, symbolizing knowledge leading to the future.

    Further Reading for Context

  • How Smartphones and SNS Reshaped Our Brains (Insights from InstaBrain)

    How Smartphones and SNS Reshaped Our Brains (Insights from InstaBrain)

    ‘Dopamine: The Double-Edged Sword of Focus and Addiction’

    In the opening of the book InstaBrain, the author dives into our brains and hormones. If you’ve read any psychology or neuroscience books, you’ll notice a recurring theme: the human brain. One key player is a hormone called dopamine.

    Many have heard of it as the “reward hormone.” However, the book clarifies that dopamine is released in anticipation of a reward, not just after receiving it. It’s the excitement before the meal, not just the satisfaction after.

    Originally, dopamine was a survival hormone, directing our attention to things that would help us survive, like new information. The problem is, in modern life, we spend hours every day glued to smartphones and SNS. In this environment, this ancient mechanism is making us increasingly miserable.

    Smartphones and SNS flood us with endless information—stimulating ads, perfect influencer bodies, exotic travel photos—every few seconds. Each time, our brain releases a hit of dopamine. We fall into a swamp of constant novelty, becoming addicted to the endless feed provided by smartphones and SNS. This chronic exposure leads to stress from sleep disruption and feelings of inferiority (reduced serotonin) due to relative deprivation. Ultimately, this daily stress can manifest as depression.

    Conceptual illustration showing a human brain being bombarded by social media icons and notifications from a smartphone, representing the dopamine-driven smartphones and SNS impact on brain.
    Conceptual illustration showing a human brain being bombarded by social media icons and notifications from a smartphone, representing the dopamine-driven smartphones and SNS impact on brain.

    ‘Can We Really Multitask on Smartphones and SNS?’

    The problems don’t end there. Many believe they are masters of “multitasking”—using smartphones and SNS while watching TV or working. The book, echoing concepts from The Organized Mind, bluntly calls these people liars.

    What we call multitasking is actually the brain rapidly switching its focus from one task to another.

    When you watch TV while scrolling through smartphones and SNS, your brain is quickly shifting attention between the two sources. This switching requires an “adaptation time” or a delay to refocus on the new object. This not only increases the brain’s energy consumption but also reduces work efficiency. While people claim their performance doesn’t suffer, experiments show that multitaskers have lower memory retention and task proficiency.

    ‘I’m Not Unhappy on Instagram?’

    Finally, this is the issue I resonated with most regarding the usage of smartphones and SNS. We’ve heard about the negative impacts since the early days of Facebook, and now Instagram has been around for quite some time. The accumulated data is stark.

    Long-term use of smartphones and SNS is linked to lower happiness and increased stress leading to depression. Yet, some claim they find satisfaction through these platforms. They exist, but they are the minority—only 7% of users. What distinguishes those who feel happy from those who feel stressed?

    People who actively post about their daily lives and communicate with others on smartphones and SNS tend to feel happier. In contrast, “lurkers” who rarely post and only consume others’ content are more likely to feel inferiority and stress.

    Reading this made me realize my own attitude. Before using Instagram for book promotion, I had a personal account where I didn’t communicate; I just watched others’ seemingly happy lives. Seeing their perfect lives on smartphones and SNS while mine felt stagnant was irritating (relative deprivation), so I eventually deleted the account. My experience confirms that this tendency is stronger in people who are already under stress.

    Split illustration showing two approaches to social media: an active user happily engaging on the left, and a passive lurker feeling stressed on the right, illustrating the psychological effects of smartphones and SNS.
    Split illustration showing two approaches to social media: an active user happily engaging on the left, and a passive lurker feeling stressed on the right, illustrating the psychological effects of smartphones and SNS.

    ‘How to Live Wisely with Smartphones and SNS’

    We are told to stay away from these devices, but how can we control something so deeply embedded in our lives? Teenagers show the highest rates of depression and stress from smartphones and SNS addiction. However, reducing their average daily use from 3-4 hours to under 2 hours (a digital detox) significantly decreased stress and depression.

    Furthermore, exercise is mandatory. As many psychology and brain science books emphasize, our brains are still stuck in the Stone Age. Physical activity, especially running, was essential for survival and required maximum concentration. Exercise is incredibly effective not only for focus but also for reducing stress caused by the overuse of smartphones and SNS. The author validated this by prescribing running to depression patients and seeing significant improvements.

    I deeply empathize with this. Running is an indispensable stress-relief tool for humans. I once felt a complex mix of anger, sadness, and injustice after a betrayal. I couldn’t talk to anyone and felt like I would explode. So, I just ran. After running 10km, I regained my reason and calmed down. I ran every day for about two months. Perhaps running when I couldn’t bear it anymore was a natural evolutionary response to save myself.

    Finishing this book, two thoughts lingered: “I must gift this book to anyone getting married or raising children,” and “I need to read more and become wiser for my own child.” No one wants to raise a child with poor impulse control due to unrestricted access to smartphones and SNS. While many parents may already realize this, I leave this book recommendation for those who might not. I’ll end with a quote from the book:

    “We limit how much technology our kids use at home.” – Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple –

    Further Reading for Context

  • Self-Righteous Leadership : The Tragic Lesson of the Gracchus Brothers
    Abstract illustration showing the clash of convictions representing self-righteous leadership
    Abstract illustration showing the clash of convictions representing self-righteous leadership

    Self-Righteous Leadership: The Tragic Lesson of the Gracchus Brothers

    We all navigate life with our own set of core beliefs and convictions, however humble they may be. Inevitably, our personal beliefs clash with those held by others whose convictions are diametrically opposed to ours. Often, what we call “belief” is merely a mask for desire, greed, or self-interest.

    The real danger begins when we mistake our perspective for the absolute definition of justice. This tendency is deeply rooted in our psychological evolution, manifesting as confirmation bias and motivated reasoning. However, when a leader falls into the trap of self-righteous leadership, believing their version of justice is worth spilling blood for, the consequences are catastrophic. If such a movement succeeds, history calls it a “revolution.” If it fails, it is branded a “riot.”

    The Psychological Roots of Self-Righteous Leadership

    Why do leaders become so rigid? As discussed in Kim Deok-soo’s book, True Colors of a Leader, individuals often become so enamored with their own moral superiority that they view compromise as a betrayal.

    Self-righteous leadership thrives on the illusion that “I alone am right.” This mindset blinds leaders to the reality that society is complex and that even opposing interest groups have their own valid perspectives. When leaders refuse to acknowledge this, they pave the way for conflict rather than progress.

    A Historical Case Study: The Gracchus Brothers

    “Reform” is generally seen as a healthier form of change than revolution. Yet, history shows that the path to reform is often stained with blood. A prime example of the failure of self-righteous leadership can be found in the late Roman Republic with the reforms attempted by the Gracchus brothers.

    The Gracchus brothers speaking at the Roman Forum, illustrating the conflict of self-righteous leadership
    The Gracchus brothers speaking at the Roman Forum, illustrating the conflict of self-righteous leadership

    During the Roman Republic, the state was balanced between the aristocratic Senate and the Popular Assemblies. The Senate, once a body of wise elders, had devolved into an organ primarily focused on protecting the wealth of the nobility.

    Enter the Gracchus brothers. They emerged as potential saviors, criticizing the corrupt Senate and proposing reforms to rescue the collapsing class of peasant farmers. Their goal—the realization of the public good—was noble. However, their method displayed the classic flaws of self-righteous leadership.

    The Paradox of Good Intentions

    The Gracchus brothers believed so strongly in their cause that they began to bypass the Senate’s authority. They executed reforms without seeking cooperation, viewing the Senate not as a partner in governance, but as an enemy to be crushed.

    No matter how corrupt the Roman Senate had become, it was still the governing body of the state. Unless the goal was to tear down the country and rebuild it from scratch, negotiation was essential. By refusing to compromise, the brothers dismantled the republican spirit of concession. The result was not a utopia, but tragic bloodshed and their own violent deaths.

    Leadership Lessons for the Modern Age

    The story of the Gracchus brothers teaches us that self-righteous leadership, no matter how well-intentioned, often leads to ruin.

    • Avoid Extremism: Extreme adherence to one’s own “justice” creates chaos.
    • Value Negotiation: True political skill lies in minimizing the opponent’s discomfort while extracting desired outcomes.
    • Recognize Subjectivity: We must remember that we can be the establishment in one context and the outsider in another.

    The world doesn’t need leaders who embody the stubborn stance of “Only I can fix this.” We need strategic leaders capable of negotiating, balancing the public good against opposing interests, and avoiding the trap of self-righteous leadership to achieve lasting progress.

    Further Reading for Context

  • Early Childhood Brain Development: 7 Neuroscience Insights for Parents
    Abstract glowing neural networks forming inside a silhouette of a baby's head, representing early childhood brain development.
    Abstract glowing neural networks forming inside a silhouette of a baby’s head, representing early childhood brain development.

    Early Childhood Brain Development: How Love Wires Your Baby’s Brain

    Like many parents, I have always been fascinated by how my children grow and learn. My recent dive into neuroscience led me to a transformative book: Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain by neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett.

    This accessible book challenges many common myths and offers profound insights into the human mind. I was particularly captivated by the sections emphasizing the critical importance of the initial years of life. It reveals that early childhood brain development is not an automatic biological process, but a dynamic interaction between a child and their environment—specifically, their caregivers.

    Here is what modern science reveals about the incredible changes happening inside our children’s minds right now, and why your role is far more crucial than you might imagine.

    Debunking Myths: The “Body Budget” Brain

    Before understanding how a baby’s brain develops, we must correct a common misconception. Many of us were taught the “triune brain” model—that humans have a primitive reptilian brain layered with a mammalian brain, topped by a rational human cortex.

    Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain completely overturns this idea. The human brain did not evolve in distinct layers. In fact, all mammal brains develop according to a single, universal manufacturing plan. There is no such thing as a dedicated “reptilian brain” for instincts and a separate “human brain” for logic.

    Furthermore, the brain’s primary job isn’t “to think.” Its most fundamental role is to manage the body’s energy resources efficiently—a concept scientists call allostasis, or running a “body budget.” Every animal’s brain is adapted to control this budget for survival in its specific environment. A baby’s brain is no different; its main goal is to keep the body alive and balanced.

    The Critical Window: Tuning and Pruning

    A baby is born after nine months, but their brain is born “unfinished.” A newborn’s brain has far more neural connections than an adult’s brain, but they are messy and inefficient. The book uses the powerful metaphor of “wiring” to describe how these neurons connect and communicate across gaps called synapses.

    Early childhood brain development is the critical period where this wiring gets organized. Through stimulation from parents and the environment, the brain begins a ruthless optimization process:

    1. Tuning: Frequently used neural pathways (wires) are strengthened and become more efficient.
    2. Pruning: Unused connections are weakened and eventually eliminated to save energy.

    Because this wiring is incomplete at birth, a baby cannot regulate its own body temperature, feed itself, or even soothe its own distress. Their “body budget” is chaotic.

    A warm, close-up photo of a mother smiling and looking at a toy cat with her baby, illustrating shared attention and interaction.
    A warm, close-up photo of a mother smiling and looking at a toy cat with her baby, illustrating shared attention and interaction.

    You Are the Architect: The Caregiver’s Role

    This physical helplessness is why caregivers are absolutely essential. When you feed a hungry baby, swaddle them for warmth, or cuddle them when they cry, you are not just comforting them; you are acting as an external regulator for their body budget.

    The more consistently and warmly a caregiver provides this stable environment, the more actively the baby’s brain develops its wiring through tuning and pruning. In essence, the architecture of a child’s brain is constructed through everyday interactions with the important adults in their lives.

    Shared Attention: Building Their World

    During this early wiring process, a baby also learns what to pay attention to. A baby’s brain is bombarded with sensory noise—the TV, voices, lights—and doesn’t inherently know what is important.

    This is where “shared attention” becomes vital. Imagine a mother holding her baby, looking at a family cat, and saying excitedly, “Look at the kitty!” Through her gaze and tone of voice, she cues the baby’s brain that the cat is significant. The baby’s brain understands: “This thing matters to my caregiver; it might affect my body budget; I should wire myself to pay attention to it.”

    Through thousands of these small moments, a baby learns to distinguish signal from noise. They begin to construct their own unique environment—a concept known as “niche construction.” The world they build is filled with the things you help them focus on.

    Early childhood brain development is a window of immense opportunity and vulnerability. It teaches us that the most sophisticated technology for building a better brain isn’t a tablet or an educational toy—it is the engaged, responsive presence of a loving human being.

    Further Reading for Context

  • Why Humans Rule the World: 3 Key Evolutionary Secrets

    How Homo Sapiens Ruled the World: 3 Key Evolutionary Secrets

    Growing up, I was fascinated by stories explaining why humans rule the world. Movies and books offered various explanations for why humans rule the world, often suggesting we were the “chosen species” gifted with superior rationality or unique communication skills. As someone who enjoys a good steak, I simply felt lucky to be born at the top of the food chain.

    However, nature documentaries challenged this view. Monkeys use vocalizations to maintain social groups, ants use pheromones to organize complex societies, and dolphins possess sophisticated communication. If language and basic cooperation aren’t unique to us, was it our “rational brain” that secured our victory?

    Neuroscience and psychology suggest otherwise. Our choices are deeply influenced by emotion-based memories, and we often succumb to immediate pleasures like doom-scrolling or junk food over rational long-term goals. So, if we aren’t purely rational, what is the real reason why humans rule the world? Books like Yuval Harari’s Sapiens offer profound answers.

    1. The Survivor: Homo Sapiens vs. Other Humans

    We often forget that Homo sapiens was just one of several human species. The human genus evolved in East Africa about 2.5 million years ago.

    Various human species coexisted, including Homo erectus in Asia and the formidable Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals) in Europe. Neanderthals were larger, more muscular, and better adapted to cold climates than our ancestors. Early sapiens, with fragile skin and weak natural weapons, were often prey.

    The turning point was controlling fire about 800,000 years ago, propelling humans up the food chain. Yet, about 10,000 years ago, Homo sapiens became the last human species standing. How did we outcompete our stronger siblings?

    2. The Secret of Why Humans Rule the World: Abstraction and Myths

    The ultimate secret to why humans rule the world lies in a unique cognitive ability: abstraction. While chimpanzees can form stable groups of about 50, early sapiens could form collectives of 150 or more.

    As discussed in books like Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain, sapiens developed the ability to imagine and believe in things that do not physically exist. This capacity for abstraction allowed us to create “shared myths.”

    Think about it: nations, human rights, money, and laws do not have a physical existence like a rock or a tree. They exist only in our collective imagination. Yet, this “social reality” enables millions of strangers to cooperate effectively. We pay taxes and obey laws because we collectively believe in the myth of the “nation.” This ability to organize on a massive scale is the fundamental reason why humans rule the world today, separating us from Neanderthals and other animals.

    Conceptual illustration of ancient Homo sapiens gathering around a fire, looking up at glowing abstract symbols of money, law, and nations in the sky
    Conceptual illustration of ancient Homo sapiens gathering around a fire, looking up at glowing abstract symbols of money, law, and nations in the sky

    3. The Agricultural Revolution and Hierarchy

    This capacity for massive cooperation led to the Agricultural Revolution. While it allowed for population booms and settled city-states, it was a double-edged sword for the individual.

    Ancient hunter-gatherers were generalists with exceptional physical and mental agility needed for survival. Agriculture turned most humans into specialized laborers, tending crops in repetitive routines. Society became like a vast factory, increasing overall wealth but creating deep information asymmetry and rigid class structures.

    Surplus food allowed a small elite (kings, priests) to monopolize information and myths, concentrating wealth while the majority toiled. This structure persisted through the Industrial Revolution into today’s Information Age.

    A split illustration comparing free-roaming hunter-gatherers on the left with laboring farmers under a hierarchy on the right.
    A split illustration comparing free-roaming hunter-gatherers on the left with laboring farmers under a hierarchy on the right.

    Recognizing Our “Social Reality”

    This isn’t just history; it’s biology. The hormone serotonin, which regulates feelings of superiority and inferiority, plays a role in maintaining social hierarchies across many species. True biological equality is difficult when our brains are wired to compare status.

    Humans used their imagination to formalize these animalistic hierarchies into extreme, legally sanctioned systems. Realizing this “social reality” was a turning point for me. I saw my former military service not just as noble “defense,” but also as a sacrifice of lower-class individuals to maintain a hierarchy.

    Understanding why humans rule the world—through the power of shared myths and abstraction—is the first step toward recognizing the “social reality” we live in. Only by seeing the system for what it is can we begin to struggle for control over our own lives.

    Further Reading for Context

  • Why We Fear the Dark: The Ancient Roots of Modern Worry
    Ancestral human alert in a dark wilderness, illustrating the evolutionary origin of **why we fear the dark**.
    Ancestral human alert in a dark wilderness, illustrating the evolutionary origin of why we fear the dark.

    Why We Fear the Dark: The Ancient Roots of Modern Worry

    Have you ever walked home alone on a moonless night? The slightest sound makes you jump, and your pace quickens. Despite arriving home safely, the feeling of anxiety lingers. Why we fear the dark and feel worried in uncertain situations is a question that traces back to our ancient past.

    The answer lies in the wilderness where our ancestors lived hundreds of thousands of years ago. Humans are diurnal creatures, unable to see well at night. For our ancestors, darkness meant near-blindness, making them easy targets for nocturnal predators.

    A psychology that directed attention to the darkness and made our ancestors anxious became a survival advantage, deeply ingrained in our DNA. This ancient mechanism is a primary reason why we fear the dark today.

    Why We Worry: An Evolutionary Perspective

    Evolutionary psychology’s ‘Error Management Theory’ explains that when faced with uncertainty, our minds evolved to err on the side of caution.

    Imagine our ancestor hearing a rustling in the dark bushes. They had two choices: assume it’s dangerous (a predator) or assume it’s safe (the wind). The cost of wrongly assuming safety (death) was infinitely greater than the cost of wrongly assuming danger (needless worry).

    Because of this massive asymmetry, we evolved a powerful psychological bias to assume the worst. This is a core reason why we fear the dark and vague threats—it’s an inherited survival instinct.

    A diagram of the human brain, highlighting the interaction between a glowing red Limbic System labeled "Emotional Guard" and a calmer blue Prefrontal Cortex labeled "Rational CEO".
    A diagram of the human brain, highlighting the interaction between a glowing red Limbic System labeled “Emotional Guard” and a calmer blue Prefrontal Cortex labeled “Rational CEO”.

    Why We Worry: A Neuroscience Perspective

    Inside the brain, anxiety arises from an interaction between two key regions:

    • The Limbic System (The Emotional Brain): An ancient, fast-acting system responsible for primal emotions like fear. Think of it as the brain’s instinctual “security guard.”
    • The Prefrontal Cortex (The Rational Brain): The newer “CEO” of the brain, responsible for planning and decision-making.

    When an uncertain signal arrives, the fast “security guard” reacts before the thoughtful “CEO” can process the situation. The limbic system floods the brain with anxiety signals, screaming “Danger!” This emotional alarm often overrides rational thought, forcing the brain to prepare for the worst. This neural tug-of-war is central to understanding why we fear the dark and the unknown.

    The Irony: The Mind That Protects Us Now Torments Us

    The problem is that this ancient survival mechanism is overactive in modern society. We no longer face nocturnal predators, but our brains treat modern abstract threats—an uncertain future, complex social relationships—with the same alarm.

    Modern anxiety is like a faulty smoke detector that goes off every time you make toast. The psychological tool that evolved to protect us has become a source of torment.

    Two Ways to Tame Anxiety and Regain Control

    Fortunately, we are not doomed to be slaves to worry. The brain circuits for worrying are the same as those for planning. We can switch from “worry mode” to “problem-solving mode” by regaining a sense of control.

    1. Get Moving: Convince Your Brain with Your Body The brain receives signals from the body. If you lie in bed feeling helpless, your brain interprets the situation as dangerous. Conversely, physical movement sends a message of action and capability. Simply getting up for a walk can be the first step in switching your brain to problem-solving mode.

    2. Make a Decision: Turn Uncertainty into Action Anxiety feeds on vague “what-ifs.” Starve it by turning worries into concrete problems. Write down what you are worried about, the worst-case scenario, and the smallest step you can take right now. Making a decision—even a “good enough” one—rebuilds a powerful sense of control.

    Understanding the ancient roots of why we fear the dark and worry, as explored in books like The Upward Spiral and The Intelligence Paradox, is the first step toward mastering your mind. By moving your body and confronting your concerns, you can find a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.

    Further Reading for Context

  • A Practical Approach to Philosophy: Learning Process Over Results

    A Practical Approach to Philosophy: Learning Process Over Results

    We are often told that reading broadens our horizons. In my experience, books generally fall into three useful categories: technical manuals for immediate know-how, scientific books for verified theories, and books of insight like novels and philosophy.

    The first two are straightforward, providing clear knowledge for specific purposes. Philosophy, however, always felt different. It seemed subjective and overly complex. In university, my reaction to philosophy was usually, “What on earth are they talking about?”

    I wasn’t interested until I realized I was reading it wrong. I needed a practical approach to philosophy. This post explores how shifting your focus from the “results” of philosophical thought to the “process” can transform how you understand the world.

    Two Ways to Learn: Process vs. Result

    “I think, therefore I am.” “Know thyself.”

    We have all heard these famous quotes. They are so common they feel cliché. My younger self dismissed them: “Okay, I exist. So what?”

    However, a truly practical approach to philosophy requires understanding that there are two ways to gain insight: learning from the ‘result’ and learning from the ‘process.’ The famous quotes are merely the results. What matters is the arduous thought process that led to those conclusions.

    Conceptual illustration contrasting a simple golden trophy labeled "RESULT" with a winding mountain path labeled "PROCESS", visualizing a practical approach to philosophy.
    Conceptual illustration contrasting a simple golden trophy labeled "RESULT" with a winding mountain path labeled "PROCESS", visualizing a practical approach to philosophy.

    Case Study 1: René Descartes and the Power of Doubt

    Take René Descartes’ famous maxim: “I think, therefore I am.”

    To understand the process, we must look at his context. Descartes lived during the Thirty Years’ War, a devastating conflict over “absolute truth.” Disgusted by the chaos, he adopted a radical approach: discard everything that isn’t absolutely certain.

    He doubted everything—even whether his reality was a hallucination. Through this rigorous process of elimination, he found the one undeniable truth: the existence of the self that is currently doubting.

    “I think, therefore I am” is not just a statement of existence. It is the culmination of a systematic process of questioning authority and building a new foundation for thought from ground zero.

    Case Study 2: Socrates and Metacognition

    Socrates provides another powerful example of a practical approach to philosophy. He famously criticized the intellectuals of Athens who pretended to know everything.

    Socrates asserted that true learning begins with the “knowledge of ignorance”—knowing that you know nothing. Only by recognizing ignorance can a genuine desire to learn arise. This is the essence of what modern psychology calls metacognition.

    Furthermore, Socrates described the ultimate stage of learning as “not even being aware that you know,” a state where insights are so deeply ingrained they become unconscious competence, like an Olympic athlete performing naturally.

    Illustration of the philosopher Socrates debating in ancient Athens, exemplifying the inquiry process crucial to a practical approach to philosophy.
    Illustration of the philosopher Socrates debating in ancient Athens, exemplifying the inquiry process crucial to a practical approach to philosophy.

    Applying a Practical Approach to Philosophy Today

    So, what is the takeaway for us today?

    We live in an age of advanced technology, often falling into the illusion that we are smarter than people of the past. But can you confidently explain quantum mechanics, the origins of your emotions, or even truly define who you are?

    By adopting a practical approach to philosophy, we gain valuable tools:

    • Through Descartes’ process, we learn the courage to question common sense and build our own logic.
    • Through Socrates’ process, we escape the trap of intellectual arrogance and awaken our metacognition.

    The intense process an ancient Greek man undertook to realize “I know that I know nothing” has been passed down as the simple result: “Know thyself.” By looking beyond the brilliant results of philosophers and into their arduous processes, we build a stronger foundation for our own lives.

    Further Reading for Context