What are value gradients?

Value gradients are like invisible paths that help you decide which direction to go when choosing between things you like.

Imagine you're in a candy store with lots of candies on shelves all around you, some are chocolate, some are gummy, and others are sour. Each candy has a value, meaning how much you enjoy it. Now, imagine there's an invisible hill that shows you which way to go to get the most fun, like going up a hill where the candies get better and better as you walk. That invisible hill is your value gradient.

Think of the value gradient as a map. If you're standing between two types of candy, and one makes you smile more than the other, the gradient shows you which way to go, like walking toward the bigger hill. The steeper the hill (or the bigger the difference in fun), the easier it is to know where to go.

When you're choosing between two things, your brain uses this invisible map to pick what feels best, just like how you might choose the candy that looks most delicious right now.