The Twelve Engines

Twelve cognitive engines that have been running in human minds for at least 300,000 years. Some predate our species. Each one can be traced independently through the full span of human prehistory and history. This is not personality theory. This is cognitive archaeology.

01
Pattern
What is the shape of this?
02
Trajectory
Where is this going?
03
Structural
How should this be put together?
04
Symbolic
How do I give this form?
05
Coherence
Does this hold together?
06
Threat
Where will this fail?
07
Stewardship
What must be preserved?
08
Ecological
What is the context here?
09
Relational
Who is connected to whom?
10
Care
Who is suffering?
11
Aesthetic
Is this beautiful?
12
Ethical
Is this fair?