Thinking in maps: from the Lascaux caves to knowledge graphs | The Death of Intellectual Curiosity

Thinking in maps: from the Lascaux caves to knowledge graphs | The Death of Intellectual Curiosity

What do hieroglyphs, flowcharts, road signs, and knowledge graphs have in common? They’re all thinking maps. Humans have been thinking in maps since the very first symbolic communication systems. "Thinking in maps is substantively different from thinking in sentences."

The Lascaux caves, known for their remarkable prehistoric cave paintings, offer an intriguing insight into early human thinking. Among the paintings, there is one that stands out - one of the oldest known maps in the world. Surprisingly, it is not a map of the earth, but a map of the skies. This demonstrates that maps have been an integral part of our thinking for thousands of years.

Throughout history, maps have taken various forms. The oldest surviving map of the world, dating back to around 600 BC, is symbolic rather than literal. It uses common visual symbols like pictograms, ideograms, and logograms to convey meaning. These visual symbols, often amalgamated with physical or mental space maps, create visual representations of our knowledge, beliefs, or questions.

Famous thinkers like Leonardo Da Vinci and Isaac Newton were known for their visual thinking. Da Vinci, with his extensive collection of notes and drawings, believed that everything connects to everything else. Newton, on the other hand, used diagrams to explore scientific concepts and research ideas. Their visual thinking allowed them to see connections that others may have missed.

In the field of information science, ontologies play a crucial role in representing knowledge. An ontology is a formal representation and definition of the categories, properties, and relationships between concepts. It allows computers to analyze data on the web and understand the connections between content, links, and transactions.

As technology advances, the concept of thinking in maps has evolved. Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, envisioned a future where computers could analyze all the data on the web. This vision aligns with the idea of thinking in maps, as computers would need to understand the relationships and connections between various pieces of information.

The challenge lies in finding ways to facilitate and enhance our thinking in maps. One possible solution is the development of a new language or schema for the semantic data constituting our thought processes. This metamodeling of thinking in maps could revolutionize knowledge management and help us make sense of complex information.

However, the death of intellectual curiosity poses a significant obstacle to thinking in maps. Intellectual curiosity is essential for individual growth and societal progress. Children, with their innate curiosity, are natural learners. But as we grow older, we often lose that curiosity. It is crucial to foster and encourage intellectual curiosity in ourselves and others.

To do so, we can start by sharing what we learn with others. By sharing our knowledge and insights, we inspire others to learn and grow. Additionally, we should strive to improve our mental models of the world continuously. Mental models are not fixed; they can be refined and expanded through learning and understanding.

Simplicity on the other side of complexity is a concept worth exploring. As we deepen our understanding of complex subjects, we may find that things become simpler. This realization challenges the notion that mental models always increase in complexity. Sometimes, simplicity can be found by delving deeper into a subject.

The educational system plays a significant role in shaping our intellectual curiosity. Traditional education often focuses on memorization rather than true learning and understanding. It is essential to break free from this model and embrace autodidacticism - learning on our own. With the internet and unlimited access to information, we have the power to learn anything we want at little to no cost.

Detecting the signal amidst the noise of information is a crucial skill in our modern age. Boredom can serve as a natural content filter, allowing us to focus on what truly interests us. By honing this skill, we can navigate the vast amount of information available and focus on the subjects that matter most to us.

In conclusion, thinking in maps has been a fundamental aspect of human cognition for centuries. From ancient cave paintings to modern knowledge graphs, maps have helped us understand the world and make connections between different concepts. However, the death of intellectual curiosity poses a significant threat to our ability to think in maps. To combat this, we must cultivate intellectual curiosity, continuously improve our mental models, and embrace self-directed learning. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of thinking in maps and propel ourselves towards greater knowledge and understanding.