Attention is a Limited Resource

Our perception of information is vast, estimated at 11 million bits per second, yet our conscious focus is restricted to just 40 bits per second. This stark contrast highlights the inherent limitations in our ability to process information fully. Consequently, understanding is curated from these limited inputs, making it essential to recognize that judgments and theories, which form the foundation of our beliefs, are inherently influenced by this restricted attention. Ignoring external facts and alternative perspectives can destabilize our understanding, akin to balancing a precarious stick of attention. Therefore, acknowledging the constraints of our focus is crucial for gaining a deeper comprehension of any subject.