Humorous though it is, I can't think of a much better example of the problems with schema, the mental constructs and models created in our subconscious to help us understand the world around us.
Erich Fromm once wrote that "Man needs a map of his natural and social world, without which he would be confused and unable to act purposefully and consistently. He would have no way of orienting himself and of finding for himself a fixed point that permits him to organize all the impressions that impinge upon him."
It matters not if the person is a hunter/gatherer, a scientist, a priest, or even the captain of an aircraft carrier. With a mental map in place, "his world makes sense to him, and he feels certain about his ideas through the consensus of those around him. Even if the map is wrong, it fulfills its psychological function."
On the other hand, a lighthouse is certain of its place without having to construct mental maps and schema.
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