Semantik - Tip of the Day 12.

We become what we think
We create models, and such models are limited. Yet we are using them for decision making and once they are accepted, we are reluctant to question them. Questioning requires time and effort. The best approach may be in questioning the information before assuming it is true.
It is often believed that the best way to control the masses is through the emotions, for example advertisement may create desire, or political speeches may create fear. Yet, the key lies in controlling people thoughts because new thoughts will be built upon them and the resulting actions will be biased. For instance, advertisement actually works by giving consumers a reference frame in which the products are familiar.
This can be used for the right or the wrong purposes. For example, learning about mathematical symbols provides a vocabulary that can help with solving difficult problems. Teaching children bad words or racial slurs provides them with tools to hurt others later on.