Thinking in maps: from the Lascaux caves to knowledge graphs

Thinking in maps: from the Lascaux caves to knowledge graphs

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. It allows us to visually represent our knowledge, beliefs, and questions in a way that is more intuitive and interconnected.

One of the oldest known maps in the world can be found in the Lascaux caves. But what makes it even more fascinating is that it is a map of the skies, not the earth. This ancient map shows us that humans have long been using visual representations to understand and navigate the world around us.

Different cultures have developed their own forms of visual symbols to communicate meaning. Pictograms, ideograms, and logograms are all examples of common visual symbols used in various languages. These symbols convey meaning through their resemblance to physical objects or represent ideas and concepts independent of specific words or phrases.

Leonardo Da Vinci, a renowned visual thinker, understood the power of connecting different fields of study. He saw the links between art and science, realizing that everything is connected. His notes and drawings, which combined art and natural philosophy, demonstrate his ability to think in maps and recognize the interconnectedness of knowledge.

Isaac Newton, another great map thinker, used diagrams to explore scientific concepts and research ideas. By visually representing his thoughts, he was able to better understand and communicate complex ideas.

In the field of information science, ontologies play a crucial role in representing knowledge. An ontology is a formal representation of the categories, properties, and relationships between concepts in a specific area of knowledge. It allows for a more organized and structured understanding of complex information.

Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, had a vision for computers to analyze all the data on the web and understand the connections between content, links, and transactions. This vision of interconnected knowledge is similar to thinking in maps, where everything is linked up.

The concept of a memex, as described by Vannevar Bush in 1945, further explores the idea of storing and accessing information in a way that mimics the human thought process. A memex would be a device that stores all books, records, and communications, allowing for quick and flexible retrieval of information.

With the rise of platforms like Substack, the way we value attention has shifted. Attention has become a scarce resource, and platforms have optimized their algorithms to keep users engaged for longer periods of time. However, Substack recognized that the underlying problem was not the algorithm or moderation efforts, but rather the need to change the business model from one that optimizes for time to one that optimizes for money.

Substack's success lies in its ability to tap into niche interests and provide value to readers. Many people are willing to pay for content that caters to their specific interests, whether it's podcasts about war history or YouTube shows about video game critiques. By focusing on differentiation rather than cost, Substack has created a platform that allows writers to monetize their expertise and build a loyal following.

Trust is at the core of Substack's value proposition. They have built a product that lacks writer lock-in, allowing writers to maintain their independence and ownership over their content. This high degree of trust makes readers more likely to subscribe to multiple Substack publications, further boosting the platform's success.

In conclusion, thinking in maps has been a fundamental part of human cognition since the earliest communication systems. From ancient cave paintings to modern knowledge graphs, visual representations have allowed us to better understand and navigate the world around us. Platforms like Substack have recognized the value of niche interests and built trust with their readers, revolutionizing the media landscape. To incorporate these principles into your own thinking, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace visual thinking: Try representing your thoughts and ideas through diagrams, flowcharts, or mind maps. This can help you see connections and patterns that may not be apparent in traditional sentence-based thinking.

2. Explore niche interests: Don't be afraid to dive deep into a specific topic or area of expertise. By catering to a niche audience, you can provide unique value and build a loyal following.

3. Prioritize trust and independence: Whether you're a content creator or a consumer, prioritize platforms and relationships that value trust and independence. Look for platforms that allow you to maintain ownership over your content and foster a sense of trust with your audience.

By incorporating these principles into your thinking and decision-making processes, you can unlock new insights and opportunities in both your personal and professional life.