Learning New Concepts Can Shape Our Perception

In How Emotions Are Made The Secret Life of the Brain - Lisa Feldman Barrett we learn about the Theory of Constructed Emotion, which extends to cognition. One core message is that The Brain is Predictive Rather Than Reactive and we simulate our environment rather than respond to it.

Our mental simulations of emotions are based on concepts we learn, which means learning new concepts can shape our perception of the world. Having more nuanced concepts available allows us to construct a rich tapestry of experiences.

This is profoundly impactful, we can shape our emotions by learning more emotional concepts like in Atlas of the Heart Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience - Brené Brown. We can become more empathetic and inquisitive by learning the Theory of Constructed Emotion when we realize we cannot perceive the emotions of others, we need to engage in dialogue rather than respond to perception.

And in Choice Words How Our Language Affects Children's Learning - Peter H. Johnston we learn the importance of noticing and naming things for our kids so that they can recognize concepts. This extends to how we teach kids about emotions.

This extends to Learning a new language, the lens with which we see the world is shaped by our language. Like when I taught my son the difference between mad and frustrated, he had a richer pallet with which to paint his experience.