PRIME:  PSYCHOLOGY, continued

        For perception, prediction  (footnote 8.)  is vitally important because the eye's images are almost useless for behaviour until they are read in terms of significant properties of objects, and because survival depends on behaviour being appropriate for one's immediate future, with no delay, although eye and brain take time to respond to the present.   We behave to the present by anticipation of what is likely to happen, rather than from immediate stimuli.   However it may be argued that an artist would need to be able to cultivate an ability to respond immediately to observed stimuli, possibly setting aside a lifetime of preconceived ideas and experience.   Richard Gregory writes:

        " A key sign of prediction, and understanding is [surprise].   Cognitive perception is inherently predictive - depending on knowledge and assumptions - revealed most dramatically by failed predictions, with accompanying surprise.   There are various signs of surprise in children before speech, such signs as a sudden agitation, and increased heart rate.   Almost from the start, babies have expectations of objects. Expectations, and so surprises, become richer and more varied as perception develops. Surprise is, indeed, the principal reward of science. " (footnote 9.) [emphasis added]

        I would suggest, that surprise as a reward, is rarely exclusive to science, and is in fact, the stuff and inspiration of art; from which creative ideas are often generated, and leading to the most valued and notable work.   Clearly, the lack of surprise would lead us to utter boredom and habituation; to a point maybe, where any hope of interest flags, and creative behaviour might cease.