Embodied Knowledge

Perplexity is the beginning of knowledge. Sayings remain meaningless until they are embodied in habits. Where can I find a man governed by reason instead of habits and urges? ~ Khalil Gibran

"Information is not knowledge. The only source of knowledge is experience. You need experience to gain wisdom." ~ Albert Einstein

"Knowledge gained through experience is far superior and many times more useful than bookish knowledge." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you." ~ Aldous Huxley

Elite athletes show that their ability to predict and react to their opponent’s moves is almost like a superpower. They can anticipate what will happen before it does, and that skill comes from years of practice. In many fields, from sports to music, it takes around 10,000 hours of elite-focused practice to reach true mastery. This practice doesn’t just make us better at something; it changes us biologically. Our bodies begin to learn, not just our minds. This idea brings us to a fascinating concept called embodied knowledge.

Embodied knowledge is the idea that we learn through thinking, doing, feeling, and moving. It’s knowledge that comes from the body as much as the brain. We develop this knowledge through five key processes: observation, practice, improvisation, empathy, and retention. Observation is more than just watching; it’s about paying attention to what’s happening around us. Practice is where our bodies start to internalize this knowledge, turning repeated actions into muscle memory. Improvisation occurs when we need to adapt quickly, drawing on what our bodies already know to respond in the moment, especially under pressure. An example is taking the practice movements that the athlete has internalized over the years. During a game or performance, he/she can quickly transfer the practice moves into much higher speed intensity.

Empathy is another crucial part of embodied knowledge. Our physical experiences help us connect with others, helping us understand and relate to their feelings. Finally, retention is how our bodies store these memories and experiences, creating an internal library we can pull from when needed.

For a long time, we thought intelligence happened only in our brains. But now, the field of embodied knowledge shows us that our physical states play an equal role in how we think and learn. The mind and body work together creating an internal muscle memory network of knowledge. This idea challenges centuries of thinking about intelligence and learning, showing us that our bodies are just as important in shaping our understanding of the world as our minds are.