"Chaque acquisition de logement devient un matériau pour l'assimilation mais l'assimilation résiste toujours aux nouveaux logements"

When we come across new ideas or experiences, we try to fit them into what we already know, but our existing knowledge often pushes back against these new intrusions. It’s a bit like trying to fit a new piece into a puzzle that almost seems complete. You might have to reshape that new piece a bit to make it fit, or sometimes, you might need to rethink the whole section of the puzzle.

This concept, which touches on how we learn and adapt, has roots in psychology. It’s kind of like Piaget’s theory. He talked about how we have these mental structures or schemas—a bit like mental filing cabinets—that help us interpret the world. When something new comes along, we try to file it away in one of our existing cabinets (that’s accommodation). But our brain is a bit stubborn and likes to keep things the way they are (that’s assimilation).

Now, let’s dive into a real-life example to make this clearer. Imagine you’ve always thought of dogs as friendly and safe. But one day, out of nowhere, a dog bites you. Ouch! This new experience doesn’t fit with your “dogs are friendly” schema. So, what do you do? You have to adjust your mental filing cabinet. Maybe you start to think, “Okay, dogs are usually friendly, but some can be aggressive.” That’s accommodation. But if you resist changing your view and instead think, “That dog was just having a bad day,” you’re doing more assimilation—trying to keep your existing belief intact.

Now, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Think about times when you’ve resisted new ideas just because they didn’t fit with what you already believed. Next time you’re faced with something new, try to be more aware of this resistance. Ask yourself, “Am I rejecting this because it’s truly wrong, or just because it challenges what I already think?” Being open to adjusting your mental schemas can lead to growth and a better understanding of the world.

Picture this scenario: You’ve always been a meat-eater and can’t imagine a meal without a steak or chicken. Then, you meet a friend who’s a vegetarian and talks about the benefits of a plant-based diet. Your first reaction might be to dismiss it—“I need meat for protein!” This is your existing schema pushing back. But, what if you take a minute to really listen and consider? Maybe you try a few vegetarian meals and realize they’re pretty tasty and fulfilling. Your mental filing cabinet shifts a bit. You don’t have to become a vegetarian, but you’ve opened up to new possibilities.

In essence, our brains are like stubborn old dogs—they like the comfort of the known and are a bit wary of the new. But just like training an old dog new tricks, it’s possible to adapt and grow if we’re willing to be a bit more flexible. So next time you’re faced with new information, think of it as an opportunity to expand your mental puzzle and enrich your understanding of the world.