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The Innovation Show

Metaphors We Live By with George Lakoff

Oct 6, 2021
George Lakoff, a renowned cognitive linguist and author of "Metaphors We Live By," delves deep into how metaphors shape our understanding and experiences. He highlights their crucial role in education, particularly in childhood development, and how they can influence empathy in leadership. Lakoff discusses the intersection of metaphor, learning, and innovation, illustrating how language impacts our perception of complex concepts, including economics and mathematics. The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing underlying values in effective communication.
01:23:37

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Metaphors fundamentally shape our understanding and perception of experiences, serving as a framework for interpreting complex concepts and influencing actions.
  • Early educational experiences significantly affect children's cognitive development, highlighting the importance of engaged learning environments and parental involvement in fostering curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Deep dives

The Role of Metaphors in Understanding Experience

Metaphors are fundamental to how individuals comprehend their experiences, acting as a framework for understanding various concepts. They shape perceptions and influence actions without conscious awareness, allowing people to navigate complex subjects using familiar physical and social references. This conceptual blending enables deeper comprehension and facilitates communication across diverse contexts. Recognizing the pervasive nature of metaphors in everyday life is crucial for grasping how they influence thought processes and decisions.

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