Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M0865

Egregore

Egregore
CultureHigh supportSociology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Derived from Greek, it refers to a "spiritual entity" or "collective consciousness" formed by the coalescence of thoughts, emotions, and beliefs of a group of people. Once formed, it seems to have its own life and in turn influences individuals within the group.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Understanding the power of organizational culture. Corporate culture, internet memes, or fanatical fan groups can all be seen as an Egregore. It explains why individuals in a group do things against their nature—being "possessed" by the collective will.

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Anchor fast decisions

Group thoughts, emotions, and beliefs condense into a "spiritual entity" that, once formed, seems to have its own life and in turn influences individuals, causing them to act against their nature.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EgregoreZH · Explicit
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