Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M11929

The Mantis Stalking the Cicada

The Mantis Stalking the Cicada
CultureHigh supportChinese Philosophy
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The cicada sings loudly, unaware of the mantis behind; the mantis wants to catch the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind; the oriole wants to peck the mantis, unaware of the slingshot below. All are focused only on the immediate benefit (Target), ignoring the risk behind (Context).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Tunnel vision. When you are fully focused on a goal (catching the cicada), your peripheral perception drops to zero, which is the most dangerous moment. Force yourself to adopt a 'God's-eye view' and see who is aiming at you from behind.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, metaphorically meaning focusing only on the immediate prey while ignoring the danger behind; it also refers to the chain-like calculation where the predator is also preyed upon.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%9E%B3%E8%9E%82%E6%8D%95%E8%9D%89ZH · Explicit
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