Table of Truth: How We Make Decisions

I woke up this morning with the following thoughts.

We, humans, are pattern recognition machines who monitor human signals on three channels:

1. Visual: What we see or observe
2. Verbal: What words we hear that are spoken (linguistically)
3. Vocal: How the words we hear are spoken (vocalization)

A ‘pattern’ implies a cluster; a group of signals that may or may not include all three channels.

Once we recognize a pattern, we then invoke an algorithmic action; a sequence of steps based on the 'threat or opportunity' we’ve detected.

This sequence pivots off our past experience(s) combined with the pattern we’ve just recognized.

A typical algorithmic sequence usually follows this simple If/Then rule:?

If you see/hear ________??then ___________

Here are three per channel examples:?

Visual Pattern Recognition

If you see people screaming and running in the opposite direction,

Then you should turn around and start running too; screaming is optional.

Verbal Pattern Recognition

If someone says they "might or may" be able to complete the project on time,

Then you should secure a commitment or at least uncover why they can't commit.

Vocal Pattern Recognition

If you ask someone a tough question and you hear uncertainty (e.g., uh,…, um…, er…),

Then you may not be talking to the right person.

These if/then rules are written onto a ‘Table of Truth’ (your truth) in your mind; a kind of a look-up table for decision-making in your brain.??

Your daily actions are consciously or subconsciously dictated by this simple sequence:?

Detect Pattern —> Reference your ‘Table of Truth’ —>?Invoke if/then rule.

Food for Thought: If your decisions hinge on your Table of Truth, how reliable (accurate) is it?

Victor Antonio