Messages

Abstract

Every decision that a person makes is largely based on the information available to that person, and the information that is available can be controlled. In order to function in our day-to-day lives, we use pieces of information that we have already learned, whether directly relevant or not, applying them individually or in combination, and directly or indirectly. We do so in innovative ways as we continue to discover new contexts for their application. The process by which we acquire and process information is called cognition. Without cognitive processes, we would never be any more independent than a newborn. As we grow up, we build on the knowledge received from our parents—who act as intermediaries between us and the world around us—using the knowledge we develop for ourselves by receiving messages from our environment. These messages can take several different forms—simple observation, written or oral communication, mathematical analysis, and so on—but regardless of source, they each create within us a new element of understanding that we use to more effectively live our lives. This process doesn’t stop once we reach adulthood and it isn’t restricted to learning grand life lessons; we continuously learn and process new information about our surroundings, collecting a wide range of data in mass quantities and constantly determining how to respond to them based on how they mesh with our past experiences.