"Thinking in maps: from the Lascaux caves to knowledge graphs" and "A guide to curation in community" both explore the concept of visual thinking and the power of organizing information in a meaningful way. These two seemingly unrelated topics actually share common points and can be connected naturally to provide unique insights on how we can enhance our understanding and communication.
Hatched by Glasp
Aug 31, 2023
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"Thinking in maps: from the Lascaux caves to knowledge graphs" and "A guide to curation in community" both explore the concept of visual thinking and the power of organizing information in a meaningful way. These two seemingly unrelated topics actually share common points and can be connected naturally to provide unique insights on how we can enhance our understanding and communication.
Both articles highlight the importance of visual representation in conveying information. From the ancient Lascaux caves to the use of hieroglyphs, flowcharts, road signs, and knowledge graphs, humans have been using visual symbols to communicate complex ideas. These symbols, whether they are pictograms, ideograms, or logograms, bridge the gap between language and visual representations, allowing us to map out our thoughts and knowledge.
Leonardo Da Vinci and Isaac Newton are mentioned as examples of visual thinkers who used diagrams and drawings to explore and understand the world. Da Vinci's notes emphasize the interconnectedness of different fields of study, highlighting the importance of seeing links where others see separations. This idea is echoed in Newton's use of diagrams to explore scientific concepts. Their visual thinking allowed them to connect different ideas and concepts, leading to groundbreaking discoveries.
The article on curation in community emphasizes the value of curating information for both the community builder and the members. Curating forces the community builder to process the information being shared and helps them understand the needs and interests of the community. It also allows them to pass on valuable information to the members, creating a resource of trusted and vetted information.
The ability to connect the dots is a common theme in both articles. In thinking maps, the combination of word-maps and world-maps creates visual representations of our knowledge and beliefs. Similarly, in community curation, the act of curating allows the community builder to connect different ideas and information, providing valuable insights to the members.
Incorporating these unique ideas and insights, here are three actionable advice for enhancing our thinking and communication:
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Embrace visual thinking: Incorporate visual elements such as diagrams, flowcharts, and knowledge graphs in your thought processes and communication. This allows for a more holistic understanding and helps in connecting different ideas.
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Practice curation: Take the time to curate information that is valuable and relevant to your community or organization. This not only benefits the members but also enhances your own understanding and ability to connect different concepts.
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Foster a culture of learning and sharing: Encourage the exchange of ideas and information within your community or organization. By creating a space where people can learn from each other and share valuable insights, you enhance the collective knowledge and ability to connect the dots.
In conclusion, "Thinking in maps: from the Lascaux caves to knowledge graphs" and "A guide to curation in community" both highlight the power of visual thinking and the importance of organizing information in a meaningful way. By embracing visual thinking, practicing curation, and fostering a culture of learning and sharing, we can enhance our understanding, communication, and ability to connect different ideas and concepts.
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