Imaginary Systems as Guides

Ever heard of the saying “Food for thought”? Well apparently in this world, it is not only food that needs serious thinking and consideration, but also when we think, analyze or use our brains in day to day situations. Daniel Kahneman’s mind-clarifying strangers of systems definitely enlightened me into a whole new perspective when it comes to me using my brain everyday, making me have an additional motto in life: Thought for Thought.

Daniel Kahneman’s philosophy and perspective of the brain is definitely on a class of its own since his deep understanding of how the human mind works is phenomenal. To put it into simpler words, the two main imaginary guides that our brains go to are System 1 and System 2. System 1 is an automatic, fast and effortless operator, that is often associated with instinct and intuitive thinking, while System 2 operates with more effort and on more complex situations. With these in mind (no pun intended), these two systems work together and serve as our partners in our daily lives and with this knowledge at hand, it has struck me definitely since I have a new and fresh way of seeing and thinking about mundane and complex things altogether. This knowledge definitely moved me due to the fact that I am now a more discerning and analytical person when it comes to everyday tasks as I often think about the system at work in my brain, which in turn makes me work and think more efficiently and effectively. This newfound knowledge about the systems has definitely moved me into becoming a better and smarter person.

As you can see above, this stationary picture seems like a flashing and moving one due to the optical illusion that it presents. System 1 recognizes these moving effects due to the illusion the picture portrays to our eyes and brains, but System 2 steps in and meticulously analyzes and realizes that the image is standstill, thus the optical illusion completing its task. The concept of illusions not only merely to our eyes but a more deeper and harder illusions known as cognitive illusions is the main thing I learned from the guides of systems. With the presence of these said illusions, I must be more wary of the things I think, see, feel and the way others treat me, talk to me and the way they present their ideas and feelings to me. Falling into the trap of these cognitive illusions is fine once it is encountered first time, but after doing so, one must learn to never fall for that trap and be more alert to the deceptions these present to us. Having this skill is very important and I am very thankful that I am introduced to this concept in this class since it allows me to have no room for error, especially in the future wherein there are a lot of tricks in the trade in the adult and professional life.

“Belief in the absence of illusions is an illusion in itself.” – Barbara Harrison

To bring this short discussion to a close, I would like to reflect on the past experiences that I have encountered: heartbreaks, failures, triumph and success. By doing so, I can revitalize and improve my current System 1 in order be less susceptible to systematic errors. With this in line is the betterment and improvement of the accompanying System 2, which I will definitely need in my daily life as college starts and this journey for my redemption takes place. I will definitely takes the lessons I have learned in the discussion of this module as a beacon of light, inspiration and motivation in order to succeed and have a very meaningful college life.