Cohort 1, Session 2 · Path dependence and refusing to follow the beaten path

Path dependence is rooted in biological instincts and cultural traits

Key insights

Path dependence is rooted in biological instincts and cultural traits. Low-dimensional organisms (such as ants) can only retrace their steps in a two-dimensional world, while higher-dimensional organisms can see more paths.Not taking the obvious path means breaking free from path dependence and finding your own way。

4.1 The Essence of Path Dependence

What is path dependence?

Definition: A behavioral pattern shaped by biological instincts and cultural traits that is difficult to change once established

Core logic：

过去成功的方式 → 形成习惯 → 路径依赖 → 重复使用 → 固化

Types of path dependence

4.2 The Ant Example (2D vs. 3D)

Scenario

蚂蚁（二维视角）：

    障碍（木头）
         ↑
    蚂蚁 → 触碰 → 掉头 → 原路返回

人类（三维视角）：

    障碍（木头）
         ↑
    人 → 观察 → 绕行 → 通过 → 继续前进

Dimensional Differences

Core insight

Why don't ants go around?

"Because in a two-dimensional world, when you hit a wall, you have to turn back the way you came. This is the consensus among all ants. What is this called? It's called cultural path dependence, a cultural characteristic."

Why can humans go around?

"We use a three-dimensional perspective. We can see that this path is perfectly passable and that we can simply go around this piece of wood."

4.3 You Cannot Discuss Ice with a Summer Insect

Meaning

"You cannot discuss ice with a summer insect": Summer insects cannot discuss ice and snow because their entire life cycle takes place in summer.

Broader Meaning：

• Lower dimensions cannot comprehend higher dimensions
• People with different path dependencies cannot communicate
• Do not try to change other people's understanding

Resonating on the Same Wavelength

Core principles：

“Only those on the same wavelength can resonate. We shouldn’t feel sorry for others, because their path dependencies are different from yours.”

Why aren't we on the same wavelength?

不同维度 → 不同认知 → 不同语言 → 无法沟通
不同经历 → 不同信念 → 不同选择 → 无法共鸣

The Possibility of Change

Core questions：

"If an ant knew it was an ant, could it still be an ant? Impossible."

Logic：

• Knowing it is an ant → means transcending being an ant → no longer an ant
• Not knowing it is an ant → remains an ant → cannot transcend its limitations

Conclusion：

"In a two-dimensional world, it cannot possibly know that it is an ant."

4.4 Seeing a Path Without Following It

What does it mean to see a path without following it?

Definition: Don’t follow others’ paths; take an unconventional path

Source: Ye Zinong, Tian Mu Hong Chen

Core logic：

看见别人的路 → 理解别人的路 → 不跟着走 → 走出自己的路

Levels of Not Taking the Obvious Path

Level 1: See the Path

• Observe how others proceed
• Learn from others' experience
• Understand others' choices

Level 2: Don't Follow the Path

• Independent thinking
• Analyze whether it suits you
• Assess whether the time is right

Level 3: Forge a Path

• Innovate and break through
• Establish new models
• Lead the way

Conditions for Seeing a Path Without Following It

Cognitive Conditions：

• Know your own limitations
• See more possibilities
• Have the courage to break with convention

Conditions for Action：

• Let go of all attachments
• Overturn your own beliefs
• Fully trust people who think on a higher plane
• Make it through the darkest moments

4.5 Higher Dimensions Overcome Lower Dimensions

Dimensional Differences

高维（三维）看低维（二维）：
- 清楚全貌
- 知道路径
- 可以引导

低维（二维）看高维（三维）：
- 看不明白
- 无法理解
- 只能跟随

Higher dimensions guide lower dimensions

Method：

"If we ourselves are mere ants, imagine where we inherited our path dependence from. Isn't it our families of origin?"

Breaking the Deadlock：

1. Realize that you are an ant → Cognitive breakthrough
2. Follow the strong → Learn through imitation
3. Make it through the darkest moments → Validate through practice
4. Establish a new path → Form a new model

The darkest moment

Definition: A stage of having absolutely no direction and completely letting go

Characteristics：

• Not knowing where to go
• Not knowing what to do
• Can only trust others
• Following completely

Importance：

"With absolutely no direction, just follow someone who has achieved results and charge ahead. After they lead you through this stretch, you have no idea where you are going; you completely let go, completely trust them, and are completely indoctrinated."

4.6 Family of Origin and Path Dependence

The Influence of One's Family of Origin

Logic：

原生家庭 → 遗传路径 → 我们跟着走 → 重复父母的路

Result：

"If you follow a strong person and walk the path of the strong, your darkest moment will pass very quickly."

Comparison：

Breaking Free from the Path of One's Family of Origin

Method：

1. Realize: Recognize the path of one's family of origin
2. Question: Question whether this path is suitable for oneself
3. Choice: Choose to follow the strong
4. Practice: Forge one's own path

4.7 Scientific Path Dependence

Science and Magic

Key insights：

"Has science always been trying desperately to change path dependence? So, is science ruthless? In the modern world, science is magic."

The Dual Nature of Science

Be killed by science

"Be killed by science. Science has a good side, and inevitably a bad side."

Example：

• AI: Improves efficiency, but also brings the risk of unemployment
• Healthcare: Extends life expectancy, but also brings population aging
• The internet: Connects the world, but also brings information overload

Key quotes

• "You can't talk about ice with a summer insect."
• "Only those on the same wavelength can resonate."
• "Don't take a path just because it's there. Don't follow the beaten track."
• "If an ant knew it was an ant, could it still be an ant? Impossible."
• "In a two-dimensional world, once you hit a wall, you must return to the exact spot you came from."
• "Science is magic in the modern world."

Practical application

Path-dependence self-check

• ☐ What path am I currently dependent on?
• ☐ Was this path given to me by my family of origin?
• ☐ Is this path right for me now?
• ☐ Am I willing to break away from this path?
• ☐ Whom should I follow to find a new path?

The "See a Path, Don't Take It" Action

1. Identify: Identify the path you are currently on
2. Observe: Observe the paths of others
3. Think: Think about what can be learned from others and what should not be followed
4. Innovate: Create a new path that suits you
5. Practice: Go out bravely

*"Seeing a path and not taking it does not mean refusing to move forward; it means not taking someone else's path, but forging your own."*