Cryptomnesia
We mistake previously learned information for original thoughts.
Cryptomnesia occurs when a forgotten memory returns without it being recognized as such. The person believes this 'new' thought is an original creation. George Harrison was sued for copyright infringement for his song 'My Sweet Lord' which unconsciously reproduced The Chiffons' 'He's So Fine'. Harrison genuinely believed he had composed an original melody. The name means 'hidden memory'.
What it looks like in the wild.
- Everyday life Reinventing the Wheel Researchers occasionally 'discover' findings that were already published, genuinely believing their insight is novel.
Recognising a definition is not the same skill as spotting it.
Two scenarios from the app, with distractors drawn from the same family of biases — which is what makes them hard.
At a book club, Liam passionately argues a character analysis as his own insight. Another member points out it's the same interpretation given in the official author's notes, which Liam read and forgot about.
David watches a documentary about the health benefits of walking. He then tells his wife, 'I've decided we need to walk more for our health.' He genuinely believes this was his own original conclusion.
Biases rarely arrive alone.
Understand more. Assume less.
188 biases, 18,869 scenarios, and a record of how you actually decide.
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