The Evolutionary Origin of Useless Thoughts

Our ability to "decouple representation"—to simulate futures—is the foundation of civilization, but it has become a biological trap. The brain can’t distinguish between solving a real problem and winning an imaginary argument, leading to "functional paralysis" fuelled by internal dopamine loops. True intelligence isn't about complex modelling; it’s a vector. To regain creativity, we must subtract the interference of the "me-machine" and focus only on thoughts that change our next action.