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The brain craves consistency from "summary" of Your Brain Is Playing Tricks on You by Albert Moukheiber
Consistency is a fundamental principle that governs the way our brains operate. Our brains are designed to seek out patterns and regularities in our environment. This is because consistency provides a sense of predictability and stability that our brains find comforting. When things are consistent, our brains can more easily anticipate what will happen next, which helps us feel safe and in control. From a young age, we are conditioned to expect consistency in our lives. For example, when we learn that pressing a button turns on a light, we expect the same result every time we press that button. This is because our brains have learned to associate the action of pressing the button with the outcome of the light turning on. When this consistency is disrupted – for example, if the light fails to turn on when we press the button – our brains can become confused and even anxious. Consistency is not only important for our sense of control, but also for our ability to learn and make decisions. When things are consistent, our brains can more easily make connections between different pieces of information. This is why repetition is such a powerful tool for learning – the more we are exposed to consistent information, the more easily our brains can absorb and retain it. Inconsistencies, on the other hand, can be confusing and disruptive to our brains. When faced with conflicting information, our brains can struggle to make sense of the world around us. This can lead to cognitive dissonance, a state of mental discomfort that arises when our beliefs or expectations are challenged.- Where information is constantly changing and evolving, it can be difficult to find consistency. The rapid pace of technological advancements and the constant barrage of information from the media can make it challenging for our brains to find stability and predictability. However, by understanding the importance of consistency to our brains, we can take steps to create more consistent routines and environments for ourselves. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, and improve our overall cognitive functioning.
