In this episode of Everything Explained, we explore the human brain’s obsession with patterns. Why do we anticipate songs, sentences, and social cues? How does pattern recognition make learning, decision-making, and creativity possible? From music and language to social interactions, we unpack how the brain predicts what comes next, rewards correct guesses, and sometimes misfires with false patterns. We also look at the double-edged nature of pattern-seeking—how it helps us navigate the world efficiently, yet can mislead through apophenia and cognitive biases. Discover why pattern-hunting is the brain’s secret engine for learning, predicting, and creating, and how awareness of this habit can make you a sharper thinker and observer