Extending the mind (without AI)
While I often bring resources into my articles, I have yet to use my writing as a book plug.
Lately, I have been reminded of the importance of Annie Murphy Paul’s book, The Extended Mind.
I read this book a year after it’s 2021 publication, but it feels more relevant than ever, now that we are outsourcing our brains to artificial intelligence.
What I love about Paul’s book, besides her compelling and thorough research, is the way she calls on the best of our humanity to extend our minds.
The human brain, as a biological organism, is actually quite limited in its capacities.
It can only focus on one task at a time (dispelling the myth of multi-tasking), often requires breaks from thinking to allow the subconscious to work (which is miraculous for creativity but rather inefficient in today’s productivity standards), and from a psychological standpoint, tends to fall prey to a number of cognitive biases that cloud our thinking.
Paul gives us three different ways we can extend our mind, and they rely on the best that we have to offer as humans:
Thinking with our bodies
- including movement, sensation, and gesture
Thinking with our surroundings
- this includes natural spaces, built spaces, and the space of ideas
Thinking with our relationships
- including experts, peers, and groups
Within these realms, Paul provides us with evidenced-based methods as a way to operationalize what began as a philosophical concept.
You, likely, have already been availing yourself of the benefits of some of these ways of thinking.
Do you ever go for a walk to let an idea percolate?
How about writing by hand in order to generate more creative ideas?
Or making a list so you don’t have to hold everything in your mind?
Do you notice the quickening of your heartbeat to help signal which option to choose?
Do you have a regular habit of spending time in nature? (remember that humans evolved spending time in nature, and it’s one of the best ways to get grounded and regulate your nervous system)
Have you designed your office space to provide an inspiring environment to support you as your work?
Do you remember conversations you had or ideas from a book or audible based on the place you were when you heard/read it?
Do you have sources of input to give you ideas you can build on?
How about a regular meetup with colleagues or friends to exchange ideas?
Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels
All of these are ways you can extend the mind.
Lighten your mental load.
Use the resources available to you to think.
What is your favorite?
I’d love to knowl
Love,
Audrey
