great post -
though if I could add just one point - the act of learning is based on exaptative re-use of the actual same biochemical pathways associated with stress -
and so the idea of
no pain no gain in building the body's musculature -
actually applies to the mind also.
so why is that last statement important in this thread?
To cut a long story down to a punchline -
- if one attempts to communicate too much information - one can overload others - one can actually cause them pain -
- and this pain can elicit a violent counter-reaction.
If you'd like more details - no problem
- an example of actual biochemicals in this process are
cortisol and its associated CRF system -
cortisol / CRF and its isomeric receptors - respond to physical stress resulting in metabolic degradation of polymeric carbs to simple sugars - and this is a peripheral function -
mental stress envelops this system also -
and there are many drug companies who're currently chasing CRF antagonists to treat depression and anxiety.
Throwing out all of the names of proteins and receptors
- then (as extraneous detail) -
just to mention that the close concordance between actual biochemical pathways for physical and mental stress can cause an irrational response when individuals are 'threatened' by large new body of information.
It's actually a biological instinct - and we'll find that the shift in modalities of education from
didactic -> constructivist
have been all about reducing the pain of the massive upload of information
- as mandated by our so-called information age
- from hurting the lil' guys so much.
~ps~
nice to meet you Robert.