The process of thought seems quite complex but it is due to two systems of brains at work. The first system represents conscious thoughts like adding or multiplying some numbers. It is the system that you think you are. It takes effort to use this part of the brain because this system is usually lazy but is capable of catching and correcting mistakes. This is not the only major major system in play but there is also system two. This system two is mainly responsible for the unconscious thought and is really quick as it needs to be because of the copious amount of information coming through our senses. 

This system filters out the unnecessary information and only picks out the relevant without the conscious system in play. This system also fills in the necessary bits of our conscious thought from system one. 

Each of this system is related to our main memory structures, the system two quick interpretation is possible due to long term memory and familiarity including the library of information built in through our life. In contrast, system one exists entirely in working memory making it possible to hold only 4 to five noble things in mind at once. In demonstration we can remember only a few digits of a random number at once but if the number is familiar it is quite easy to remember. 

This process is learning and the process of learning is simply passing off information of short term memory from system one to system two to make it long term. In order for this to happen, one needs to actively engage with the information and with effort. In demonstration, tying up your shoelace for the first time was quite difficult and it probably took all the working memory at that time but now we don’t even need to think about it as it has already been passed off to system two due to continuous effortful engagement with the information. 

This is also known as muscle memory although it is not in the muscles it is still in the brain controlled by system two. Sometimes what we think of superhuman abilities comes down to incredible automation skills of system two developed through the relentless practice of system one.

Shreeshant Rijal

Class XII

KMC, Bagbazzar