Our brains are not the only way we experience the world; our bodies are just as important. The body is like a tool for the brain, helping it understand the world better. According to “cognitive extension,” our brain can use physical tools as extensions of the body. Athletes, like hockey players, become skilled at controlling their equipment. Blind people can “see” with a cane because their brain treats its information like it’s coming from their eyes.

Our bodies are tools we learn to master as we grow up, like how we learn to control our body from toddler to adulthood. We understand the world by moving and thinking through our bodies.

When we learn new skills and control our bodies better, we find satisfaction. This is what Friedrich Nietzsche meant when he talked about the joy of feeling powerful. Developing manual skills and mastering your body opens up more possibilities for you. It’s satisfying for both kids and adults.