When the Buddha Met Derek Thompson: Why Your Brain Loves the Familiar

Picture this: You're scrolling through Netflix, and despite having 10,000 options, you pick... The Office. Again. For the 47th time.

Sound familiar? (Pun intended!)

Well, turns out Buddha had something to say about this 2,600 years ago. He taught that "วิสฺสาสปรมา ญาตี" - basically, "familiarity is the closest kin." In other words, the people (and things) we see regularly become more important to us than even our blood relatives.

Then, fast-forward to a few years ago, when I watched Derek Thompson's TED talk about why some things become popular. He talked about this thing called "MAYA" - Most Advanced Yet Acceptable. My first thought? "Oh snap, Buddha said that ages ago!"

It's like when your grandma gives you advice that you ignore, then some influencer says the exact same thing and suddenly it's revolutionary. Classic, right?

The Science Behind Why You Love Your Coffee Shop

Here's the wild part: scientists have proven what Buddha intuited through meditation. It's called the "mere exposure effect," and it basically means the more you see something, the more you like it.

Your brain is lazy (no offense). It likes things that are easy to process. When you see something repeatedly, your brain goes, "Oh, I know this! This is safe! I like safe!" It's why:

• That song you hated becomes your jam after radio plays it 50 times

• The weird-looking new coworker becomes attractive after a few months

• You order the same thing at restaurants even when trying to be adventurous

Derek Thompson discovered that the most successful products aren't totally new OR totally familiar - they're "familiar surprises." Think:

• Star Wars = Cowboys in space

• Spotify Discover Weekly = 70% songs you know, 30% new stuff

• iPhone = A phone that's also a computer (mind-blowing in 2007, obvious now)

What This Means for Real Life

👩‍🏫 For Teachers: Stop Confusing "They've Seen It" with "They Know It"

Ever had a student say "Oh yeah, I know this!" then bomb the test? That's the familiarity trap. Just because something feels familiar doesn't mean you actually learned it.

Your students don't need nonstop novelty—they need grounding. Smart teachers use familiarity as a tool, not a crutch:

• Reuse powerful examples that work

• Connect new ideas to what students already know

• Review material multiple times but in different ways

• Mix up problem types (don't do 20 identical math problems in a row)

Try this: Use stories or analogies they've seen before, and gently expand from there. Familiarity builds not just understanding—but trust.

Buddha would approve - he was all about direct experience over just hearing about enlightenment.

🎓 For College Grads and Young Professionals: It's Not Who You Know, It's Who Sees You

Just started a new job? Don't rush to "wow" everyone with fresh ideas. First, show up consistently. Be the reliable colleague. Trust grows when you're seen often, not just when you're brilliant.

Brutal truth: Remote workers get promoted 31% less than office workers. Why? Out of sight, out of mind. Your boss's brain literally forgets you exist if they don't see you regularly. It's not personal - it's neurological.

So:

• Schedule regular video calls (camera ON, people!)

• Send weekly updates that land in their inbox

• Show up to optional meetings sometimes

• Comment thoughtfully in Slack channels

• Frame your ideas in ways that tie into what people already do

Try this: Start with the familiar. Link your new ideas to what people already do. The best innovations feel like a natural next step, not a wild leap.

Think of it as watering a plant. Miss too many days, and that relationship withers.

🧑‍💼 For Business Owners: Boring Consistency Beats Brilliant Inconsistency

Want loyal customers? Want your brand to stick? Make it feel like "home." People return to what feels familiar. You don't need to reinvent everything.

Consistent brands are 4x more likely to be trusted. Your customers' brains crave predictability:

• Use the same colors everywhere (looking at you, entrepreneurs with 17 different business cards)

• Keep your messaging tone steady

• Post content regularly, even if it's not perfect

• Make your customer experience boringly consistent

Then—and only then—surprise with small twists. It's the "same but different" principle behind every blockbuster brand.

Try this: Keep your colors, tone, or message steady. Add novelty, but don't lose the core people know and love. Remember: Tropicana lost $50 million just by changing their orange juice carton.

The Buddhist-Business Bottom Line

Here's what blows my mind: A monk meditating in ancient India figured out the same thing that million-dollar marketing research confirms today. We trust what we know.

But Buddha took it deeper. He said this familiarity thing isn't just about selling products or getting promoted. It's about how we form our deepest relationships. The people who show up consistently in our lives - not necessarily our relatives - become our real family.

It's easy to chase the new. But if you want to connect—truly connect—start with the familiar.

Your Homework (The Fun Kind)

1. Track your familiarity bias: Notice when you choose something just because it's familiar. That restaurant, that route to work, that brand of soap. Ask yourself: "Am I choosing this because it's actually better, or just because I know it?"
   
   

2. Use the 70/30 rule: When trying something new (presenting ideas, creating content, meeting people), make it 70% familiar, 30% fresh. It's the sweet spot between boring and scary.
   
   

3. Show up consistently: Pick one relationship or goal. Show up for it regularly, even in small ways. Watch how familiarity builds trust and opportunity.
   
   

The coolest part? This isn't some life hack or productivity trick. It's literally how your brain has worked for millions of years. Buddha figured it out through meditation. Scientists proved it with brain scans. And now you can use it to make your life better.

Familiarity is the bridge that leads to trust, love, and success.

Who knew that ancient wisdom + modern science = why you can't stop watching The Office?

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go order my usual at my regular coffee shop, where the barista already knows my name and starts making my drink when I walk in. Because familiarity isn't just the closest kin - it's also really convenient.

References:

• Hit Makers: The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30901608-hit-makers

• The Buddha's teaching about the importance of familiarity (in Thai):

  • https://84000.org/tipitaka/attha/attha.php?b=27&i=682

  • https://kalyanamitra.org/th/article_detail.php?i=8325