Really compelling framing. The idea that language may have evolved from a socially distributed system rather than a purely internal cognitive tool feels especially important in the AI era. We often treat language as a window into thought, but this article highlights how language can also become an autonomous environment that shapes thought externally — across cultures, institutions, and now machines. The ‘escape’ metaphor works because language doesn’t just describe reality anymore; it increasingly constructs the cognitive terrain we operate within.
Really compelling framing. The idea that language may have evolved from a socially distributed system rather than a purely internal cognitive tool feels especially important in the AI era. We often treat language as a window into thought, but this article highlights how language can also become an autonomous environment that shapes thought externally — across cultures, institutions, and now machines. The ‘escape’ metaphor works because language doesn’t just describe reality anymore; it increasingly constructs the cognitive terrain we operate within.
Thank you. Interesting observations.