Note: Reposted from my personal Toutiao account.
Recently, I read a book called "Getting to the Heart of Things". Overall, I found it highly beneficial, which led me to reflect on the act of thinking itself. Drawing from my own life experiences, I’d like to share some personal insights into the nature of thinking.
When introducing a new concept or idea, I prefer using a simple and effective approach called the 5W1H method—what, who, when, where, why, and how—which I believe many of you are already familiar with.
What: Definition of Thinking
What is thinking? My understanding is that thinking is the process in which individuals analyze, summarize, and transform collected information into original insights, gradually internalizing it as new personal understanding.
Who: The Subject of Thinking
The subject of thinking is, of course, humans. First, only biological entities can think because thinking requires the brain as an organ. Inanimate objects like steel and concrete lack the capability for thought. Furthermore, among all known biological entities, humans are the only species genuinely capable of complex thinking. This is, in my view, the most significant distinction between humans and other species. Some might argue that animals like crows exhibit thinking when solving problems, like using stones to raise water levels. While that may be true, we cannot directly perceive the thought processes of crows. The only thinking process we can truly experience is our own, so let’s focus on human thinking, which is far more relevant to us.
When and Where: Context for Thinking
When and where do we think? This varies from person to person. Some prefer the clarity of early mornings, while others thrive in the solitude of late nights. These preferences are superficial manifestations of two types of thinking: active and reactive.
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Active Thinking occurs before a problem arises, enabling individuals to anticipate potential outcomes and prepare solutions. This type of thinking is particularly powerful. For example, professional Go players significantly outperform amateurs because they can calculate dozens of moves ahead, whereas amateurs can only predict a few.
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Reactive Thinking, on the other hand, happens in response to an issue as it arises. While it may lack foresight, its value cannot be underestimated. Almost everyone transitions from reactive thinking to active thinking over time. Furthermore, even the most proactive thinkers cannot predict every eventuality. The pressure of real-world scenarios often pushes individuals into deeper and more creative levels of reactive thinking.
Why: The Purpose of Thinking
Why think? In my view, the primary purpose of thinking is to enhance our understanding of the world. Living in society necessitates constant interaction with it. To thrive and benefit from societal development, we must continuously absorb and internalize the knowledge and experiences of those who came before us.
We live in an era of unprecedented change. Continuous reflection and learning allow us to grasp the essence of reality. I believe life is a game of pattern recognition. As we deepen our understanding, we begin to see the rules behind the chaos. Ideas that once seemed groundbreaking become mere common sense. Independent thinking enables us to climb the ladder of societal hierarchy and achieve our goals. Additionally, deep reflection often leads to profound moments of clarity and immense personal satisfaction.
Independent thinking also builds confidence. Even overconfidence is preferable to none at all. History is full of individuals who were not only confident but whose confidence was rooted in superior understanding—gained through relentless thought and reflection.
The journey of enhancing one’s cognition is painful but transformative. Breaking down and rebuilding old frameworks is akin to a caterpillar emerging from its cocoon: the process is painful, but the result is a true metamorphosis.
How: Methods of Thinking
How do we think effectively? Whether through lateral thinking, reverse thinking, or other methods, the essence lies in dissecting, analyzing, and anticipating problems from multiple dimensions. Human life is a quest for certainty within uncertainty. By understanding the patterns of existing phenomena and predicting future developments, we can gain a degree of control over the unknown, which inherently frightens us.
Thinking requires time and effort. Speed is not the goal. The aim is thorough reflection, which consumes significant mental resources but uncovers the underlying logic of things. Deep thought enables us to save unnecessary energy and resources in the long run.
Conclusion
Schopenhauer once said, "The thoughts of others are like leftovers on someone else’s plate or clothes left behind by a stranger. Only independent thinking possesses truth and life." Thinking is integral to life. No one else can take responsibility for our existence. Therefore, only through independent thought can we truly express our souls.
Life, at its core, is solitary. As the writer Liu Liangcheng said in "One Man’s Village":
"The snow that falls in a person's life, we cannot witness it all. Each person spends their winter alone in their own life."
The deeper one thinks, the more profound this solitude feels. Every individual has unique life experiences, making perfect mutual understanding an unattainable ideal. When misunderstood or unacknowledged by the world, maintaining independent thought and recognizing one’s value is essential to safeguarding the final bastion of freedom—freedom of thought.