Mind mapping as a forcing function for evaluation is spot-on. I've noticed that when Ijust consume (even "good" content like books), it vanishes within weeks unless I actively rebuild the mental model. The insight about "evaluation without execution being pointless work" is underrated because it explains why so many people feel stuck despite constant learning. They're building internal schemas but never externalizing them into feedback loops.
I feel like there is a huge opportunity with leveraging mind mapping (turning information into knowledge), AI (for information and questioning), and writing (newsletters). I’m thoroughly excited to experiment with new things over the coming weeks! Thanks for reading❤️
The distinction between consumption and evaluation is crucial and honestly uncomfortable to sit with. I catch myself consuming constantly without that evaluative layer. The mind mapping approach makes evaluation tangible and intentional. Starting anyway without perfect clarity is also important. I've always waited for the right conditions that never arrive. This piece connects theory to actual practice which is refreshing.
Well..that's the beauty student s do miss as per now..but how do you come up with such ideas in the shortest time possible..am a student who finds it fascinating to have..
Absolutely a great piece of work. Mind mapping has been on my mind lately. I was literally talking about mind mapping yesterday, but you beautifully articulated it. So thank you for that.
This was a fantastic read. You're strategies for navigating a world for which our brain did not are very insightful.
And I think you've nailed it with the core components for rebelling against the modern world (and all its maladaptive conveniences) as: creativity and evaluation.
I actually have a theory: that passive consumption is an artefact of our modern world, and it is not a scenario our ancestors would have ever found themselves in.
Even the fabled berry bush... Gorging on this unexpected treat, Grugg would still have to isolate, inspect, and pick the berries. He’d be evaluating taste, texture, ripeness, and satiety as he went. That already requires more active brain engagement than doomscrolling or binge-watching Netflix while eating.
What about eating already foraged food? Grugg would either be eating with his tribe — navigating conversation, social cues, and shared attention — or eating alone, without external distractions. (The only device available to Grugg would be the rock upon which he sat.) I bet you Grugg would be sitting there, upon that favourite rock, attentively savouring every bite of food — noticing the texture, observing his body, feeling grateful for the present moment of sated hunger.
Guess which activity recruits more of your brain — simply paying attention to eating, or doomscrolling while eating?
Isn’t it ironic that adding a device to your meal can dampen your brain activity? In fact, it dampens activity in the area of the brain that counts the most — an area that, when active, is designed to protect you from unchecked rewards.
When we consume with intent, or "consumption with evaluation" as you so eloquently put it, we are activating the task-specific areas of our prefrontal cortext that keep limbic spikes of dopamine in check.
In isolation, these limbic spikes can trigger maladaptive plasticity, turning you into a compulsive, reward-seeking human. But when they occur in the context of elevated cortical dopamine, they can become adaptive and support the task or learning.
Basically, if you're truly using your brain during consumption, you're protected. And if you're not... you're at risk.
Quick question, in regards to mind-mapping, do you engage in mind-mapping without physical documentation? Like can you mind map without writing anything down physically? Or do you always write?
Mind mapping as a forcing function for evaluation is spot-on. I've noticed that when Ijust consume (even "good" content like books), it vanishes within weeks unless I actively rebuild the mental model. The insight about "evaluation without execution being pointless work" is underrated because it explains why so many people feel stuck despite constant learning. They're building internal schemas but never externalizing them into feedback loops.
I feel like there is a huge opportunity with leveraging mind mapping (turning information into knowledge), AI (for information and questioning), and writing (newsletters). I’m thoroughly excited to experiment with new things over the coming weeks! Thanks for reading❤️
The distinction between consumption and evaluation is crucial and honestly uncomfortable to sit with. I catch myself consuming constantly without that evaluative layer. The mind mapping approach makes evaluation tangible and intentional. Starting anyway without perfect clarity is also important. I've always waited for the right conditions that never arrive. This piece connects theory to actual practice which is refreshing.
Thanks for reading layla!!
Hope i have now got the profound image of it..thanks alot
Thanks for reading Owen!
To be honest..i wish all school time teacher were just like you..
I’d be a terrible teacher cause I wouldn’t shut up half the time with my waffling. Thanks for reading Owen!
Well..that's the beauty student s do miss as per now..but how do you come up with such ideas in the shortest time possible..am a student who finds it fascinating to have..
Absolutely a great piece of work. Mind mapping has been on my mind lately. I was literally talking about mind mapping yesterday, but you beautifully articulated it. So thank you for that.
🔥🙌
most of peoples lose there creativity because the busy life .but this article break that and give good mind for the society .nice
Thank you for reading :))
This was a fantastic read. You're strategies for navigating a world for which our brain did not are very insightful.
And I think you've nailed it with the core components for rebelling against the modern world (and all its maladaptive conveniences) as: creativity and evaluation.
I actually have a theory: that passive consumption is an artefact of our modern world, and it is not a scenario our ancestors would have ever found themselves in.
Even the fabled berry bush... Gorging on this unexpected treat, Grugg would still have to isolate, inspect, and pick the berries. He’d be evaluating taste, texture, ripeness, and satiety as he went. That already requires more active brain engagement than doomscrolling or binge-watching Netflix while eating.
What about eating already foraged food? Grugg would either be eating with his tribe — navigating conversation, social cues, and shared attention — or eating alone, without external distractions. (The only device available to Grugg would be the rock upon which he sat.) I bet you Grugg would be sitting there, upon that favourite rock, attentively savouring every bite of food — noticing the texture, observing his body, feeling grateful for the present moment of sated hunger.
Guess which activity recruits more of your brain — simply paying attention to eating, or doomscrolling while eating?
Isn’t it ironic that adding a device to your meal can dampen your brain activity? In fact, it dampens activity in the area of the brain that counts the most — an area that, when active, is designed to protect you from unchecked rewards.
When we consume with intent, or "consumption with evaluation" as you so eloquently put it, we are activating the task-specific areas of our prefrontal cortext that keep limbic spikes of dopamine in check.
In isolation, these limbic spikes can trigger maladaptive plasticity, turning you into a compulsive, reward-seeking human. But when they occur in the context of elevated cortical dopamine, they can become adaptive and support the task or learning.
Basically, if you're truly using your brain during consumption, you're protected. And if you're not... you're at risk.
Great read, as always!
(More on exactly how you're protected here if curious: https://hereisyourbrain.substack.com/p/create-more-than-you-consume)
Quick question, in regards to mind-mapping, do you engage in mind-mapping without physical documentation? Like can you mind map without writing anything down physically? Or do you always write?