The Cycle of Cognition and Social Class
This article explores the interconnectedness of information, knowledge, cognition, and social standing, outlining how they form a self-perpetuating cycle. Breaking this cycle is key to upward mobility and personal growth. This builds upon the idea that improvement of cognition depends on the information source and the underlying logic.
The Closed Cycle Theory
Lao Mao's closed cycle theory posits that a person's social class influences the information they receive, which in turn shapes their knowledge, cognition, and ultimately, their future social class. This creates a continuous loop where individuals tend to remain within their initial social strata.
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Information to Knowledge: The information we absorb determines the structure of our knowledge.
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Knowledge to Cognition: Our knowledge structure shapes our cognitive level.
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Cognition to Level: Our cognitive level influences our social class and the information we subsequently receive.
This theory highlights how the "dragon gives birth to a dragon, and the phoenix gives birth to a phoenix" sentiment, while seemingly outdated, still holds relevance in modern society.
Breaking the Cycle
The article argues that conscious effort is required to break free from this closed cycle. Success in this endeavor leads to a change in fate and advancement, while failure results in remaining within the predetermined circle. The crucial first step is to shift your information intake.
Four Levels of Information
The speaker identifies four levels of information sources, essential for improving awareness:
- Invalid Knowledge: Primarily emotional content from news, TV shows, and entertainment, designed for short-term gratification and often misleading. This type of information hinders the development of a high-level cognitive system.
- Knowledge of Skills: Logical information gained from professional work and training. This is the kind of knowledge traditionally taught in schools and equips a person to become a "screw" in the societal machine.
- Knowledge of Making Money: Interest-driven information regarding personal financial gain. This is rarely taught formally and requires active learning and innovation. The knowledge of making money cannot be easily accessible for most people.
- Knowledge about the Rules of Social Operation: Deep understanding of how society functions, often inaccessible to ordinary individuals without specific background or experience.
Cognition to Social Level
A person's level of cognition directly impacts their social level. This is because their cognitive structure determines how they think and behave. If they can improve their cognitive level, then there is hope to have a breakthrough in the social level.
Practical Steps for Improvement
The article suggests a two-pronged approach to improving one's cognitive level and breaking the cycle:
- Critical Consumption: Carefully filter information intake, starting with eliminating negative and invalid sources.
- Active Learning and Practice: Combine theory with practical experience, reflecting on and summarizing insights gained from real-world application.
By consciously choosing information sources, gaining practical experience, and continuously learning, individuals can improve their cognition and break free from the limitations of their initial social standing. By taking these actions, one can test the theory and see if what he said holds true.