Theory of Mind

 Theory of mind allows us to guess what others are thinking. But without enough context or feedback, it often self-reinforces theories and assign more and more certainty on them. In addition to us treating our guesses of what others are thinking as real, we also try to manipulate others to get them to do what we want them to do. 

These theories, made-up meanings, are troublesome when they are hallucinated from small details. False theories would sometimes invite a chain of reactions that we otherwise wouldn't do. The false theories temporarily becomes part of us, and it defines us in that moment.

Even when we meet someone everyday, we can still hold on to false theories. Normally, the reason the theory stays because most interactions couldn't fully invalidate it. And in a small form of evolution, some false theories gets to stay even though they are baseless.

Theory of mind comes from a more general behavior. It is to assign meaning to things, whether they had a meaning behind it or not. 

Another troubling thing is our intention to convince others. When it is used incorrectly, it becomes manipulation. Manipulation imply that the victim is only half convinced, and they are not themselves. 

The system of being human can be subservient to a goal that is harmful for both the instigator and the people it tries to change. But at the same time, it mostly does good things.