Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief

by Jordan B. Peterson

The affective systems that govern response to punishment, satisfaction, threat and pro mise all have a stake in attaining the ideal outcome. Anything that interferes with such attainment (little old ladies with canes) will be experienced as threatening anel/or punishing; anything that signifies increased likelihood of success (open stretches of sidewalk) will be experienced as promising37 or satisfying. 1t is for this reason that the Buddhists believe that everything is Maya, or illusion:38 the motivational signijicance of ongoing events is clearly determined by the nature of the goal toward which behavior is devoted That goal is conceptualized in episodic imagery-in fantasy. We constantly compare the world at present to the world idealized in fantasy, render affective judgment, and act in consequence. Trivial promises and satisfactions indicate that we are doing weH, are progressing toward our goals.