# 1.1 We make oversimplified mental models of reality
Source: #blogs/jamesclear, [[A Thousand Brains]]

The brain constantly builds simplified models of the world to predict what happens next. The neocortex learns and updates these models automatically—helping avoid danger and find opportunities.

**Why simplify?** Reality is too complex. We don't have enough brain power or memory to model everything perfectly, so we simplify and accept some errors.

**The trade-off:**
- These oversimplifications become biases → [[1.1a - The more we are invested, the stronger the confirmation bias]]
- But good mental models (markets, business, social interactions) guide successful action

**How to improve:** Read books and run real-life experiments.

Related: [[1.2 - We constantly run mental simulations]]
