Inculcation 2.0

It’s a simple cognitive truth: that which we repeat we tend to remember.

And so whether it’s a language, an attitude, or an axiom, what we remember, and in large part, who we become, is determined by what’s on repeat.

This much isn’t very interesting. The idea of ‘inculcating something’ has been around since the early 1600’s, when it was used a synonym for “endoctrinate,” meaning to teach or to instruct.

What’s interesting now, as opposed to then, is that we can intentionally choose what we listen to.

That beyond consuming religious dogma, political ideology, and cultural bias, we can individually choose what philosophy, what attitudes, and what cognitive strategies we would like to habitually regurgitate.

As Seth Godin points out, “intentionally brainwash(ing) yourself with content designed to change your outlook” is a cheap and simple habit that can dramatically change your life.

And while, sure, it can seem off-putting (to deliberately brainwash yourself) so is almost everything else we unknowingly absorb and assimilate by having it on repeat.