Thinking as an Art Form

Thinking is a passion of mine. I don’t always feel like learning new knowledge, but I almost always want to be thinking. I’d say thinking is a form of art, as it allows us to create connections between ideas, bringing new meanings and reflections to life.

When we think for the sake of thinking, we connect more deeply with ourselves and with others. Without the pressure to achieve a goal, details that would typically go unnoticed become part of the landscape.

The simple act of wanting to think results in a more organized and beautiful mind, while also making the external world richer and more detailed.

The Gift of Deep Thoughts

Deep thoughts are the greatest gift we have as a species. They are what set us apart from other animals. However, we shouldn’t consider ourselves special merely because we can think.

Those who truly stand out are the ones who changed humanity with their great inventions. A few individuals, out of millions and billions, have left a profound mark on history, while we simply enjoy the legacies they created.

Still, we should not think of ourselves as merely "more of the same." Upon reflection, I realize that the way we treat each other in our communities and the roles we play within them shape the tone of the melody of our lives, creating an echo and a way of being that is not easily shaken.

Measuring Our Value

The best measure of our value in society is how irreplaceable we are. The way we impact our work and social circle in a manner that no one else could replicate is a strong indicator of our worth.

Within our own lives, the best measure of our value is how well we conduct our existence. After all, our consciousness is like a diplomatic leader between our body and our subconscious, mediating our relationship with the external world. It is we who observe our thoughts and decide how to act, adapting to the reality around us.

Reflections on Interactions

In daily life, I often reflect on how I respond to people and later evaluate whether I could have reacted differently. I strive to hold myself to high standards, and this self-demand brings benefits beyond improving my own level.

It grants me more freedom to hold others to higher standards as well. Often, I seek external, neutral opinions about my situation to expand my mental arsenal. This freedom to be discerning with others also leads to greater kindness and reciprocity.

Additionally, it helps identify toxic behaviors and situations to avoid. We know that, for the most part, people are creatures of habit. We can expect them to make the same mistakes in the future unless they show signs of thinking actively about their actions, as we do.

Navigating Relationships

How should we respond to those who do not cultivate the art of thinking? I value those who actively think much more, but I understand that not everyone has the ability to develop this practice.

I try to have tolerance and compassion for those who fall below my minimum expectations. I also hold onto the hope that, one day, they will consciously use their minds in the same way I use mine. However, it is easy to build barriers between myself and such people. After all, choosing wisely who we associate with helps us avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

Choosing Our People

How do I choose my favorite people? I’d say there are three categories: those who enrich our lives with their perspectives, those who do not because they don’t engage in thinking, and those who lower the bar, affecting my emotional or mental well-being.

It’s worth noting that the second category is not neutral. I coexist with these people without expectations, trusting that they will excel in what they are good at, which, in turn, provides entertainment.

Final Thoughts

This entire way of thinking allows me to conserve energy for the most meaningful interactions while maintaining a sense of lightness in relationships that don’t require as much depth.

It took me a long time to reach these conclusions and refine my practices, but I can say with certainty: it was worth it.

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image: chatgpt