I once came across a psychology lecture from Tsinghua University that discussed how brain development is shaped not only by genetics, but also by environment. Experiments have shown that mice raised in deprived, low-stimulation settings develop smaller hippocampi and fewer neural connections, while those raised in safe, enriched environments show stronger neural development and better learning ability.
Similar patterns can be observed in humans. Long-term poverty, stress, or a lack of safety can suppress brain plasticity. Improvement, however, does not necessarily depend on wealth, but on what could be called psychological and cognitive richness.
Stable relationships, sustained curiosity, social interaction, and a sense of safety all play a role in activating neural plasticity.
I was reminded of this during a small moment at a Thai restaurant. After paying with Apple Pay, I did not see a tipping option and assumed the transaction was complete. As I was leaving, the staff member came after me to ask if I needed a receipt. She smiled and remained calm, rather than reacting with frustration. Her response made me realize that there was another way to interpret and handle the situation beyond assuming bad intent.
Without witnessing that response, I might never have considered that alternative reaction.
Over time, I came to see that increasing social exposure and contact with others is itself a way of enriching one’s environment. And as the environment becomes richer, the range of possible ways of thinking expands as well.