In the Adams worldview, the human brain is described primarily as a “pattern-recognizing machine.” While this capability is responsible for human survival and the development of language and technology, it is simultaneously identified as a primary source of cognitive error. Humans are hardwired to find meaning in data, but because the brain is optimized for speed rather than accuracy, it frequently identifies “patterns” where only noise or coincidence exists.
The Superpower and the Glitch
Pattern recognition serves as a biological superpower that allows individuals to navigate social environments and anticipate threats. However, Adams frequently highlights that “we’re not good at it.” This leads to a state where individuals are routinely surprised or fooled by what appears to be an overwhelming mountain of evidence. In reality, that evidence is often just a collection of data points filtered through Confirmation Bias.
The brain’s insistence on finding patterns is why people see conspiracies in complex events or judge the character of public figures based on superficial signals. For example, Adams notes the tendency to analyze political rhetoric—such as comparing the language of the president to that of white supremacists—as a form of pattern matching that often ignores the broader context of Persuasion and audience targeting.
Character Judgment and Manipulation
A significant portion of pattern recognition is dedicated to judging the character of others. Adams observes that “the pattern seems to be I’m really really bad at judging character,” reflecting the general human condition. This vulnerability is exploited by high-level manipulators. Jeffrey Epstein, for instance, is cited as a master of mimicking the patterns of a high-status, trustworthy individual, thereby convincing people he was not a risk when he was.
Conversely, pattern recognition can lead to false positives based on personal biases. Adams cites his own reaction to certain speech patterns—noting that a specific way of speaking might signal a particular orientation—while acknowledging this is often a result of “bad pattern recognition” rather than an objective truth.
The Digital Shift
The emergence of the internet and platforms like Twitter has fundamentally altered how human pattern recognition interacts with reality. The ability for a “small good idea” to find supporters and grow into a movement is a result of rapid, networked pattern matching. This shift is so profound that Adams argues we are no longer a “constitutional republic” in the traditional sense; the speed of information and the collective recognition of patterns now force politicians to move in ways they previously did not have to.
Related Frameworks
- Confirmation Bias: The tendency to seek out patterns that support existing beliefs.
- Cognitive Dissonance: The mental stress experienced when a recognized pattern is broken by new information.
- Filter Bubbles: Digital environments that curate specific patterns to reinforce a user’s worldview.
- High-Filter Persuasion: The act of presenting information so that the target’s pattern recognition triggers a specific conclusion.