We make assumptions every day. Some of these assumptions are correct and others incorrect — and the latter can sometimes get you into trouble, as this video illustrates!

But why do we make assumptions? Assumptions actually help our brains to save energy. For example, whenever we encounter a new situation, we draw on our past experiences in order to understand this new situation.

Using these experiences — or assumptions — save us the energy of analysing each situation completely anew. The difficulty, then, lies in finding ways to check whether our assumptions help our understanding or actually block it. (video 0.54)

Bonus for subscribers: find out how to check whether our assumptions hinder instead of help.