Many people say that thinking is an art. But why is this? Isn't it just human nature to think?

Question

Merlin Steele: How about thoughtlessness? Have you ever tried that? Sit in a room, close your eyes and think of nothing. It's more difficult than you think because something always manages to spring to mind of its own accord.

The problem with this is that you risk forgetting important things (unless you write them down first) and this can work against you.

Answer 1

i think therefore i am - of course its human nature to think, but like any skill your thinking can be vastly improved

Answer 2

Oh, it is an art. Everyone has a different way of thinking. People can often come up with the same answers to questions which involve thinking, but it's the thinking itself that varies so much from person to person. Inside the mind, thought processes and the way your brain is organized play a big role in the thoughts that form inside you. Sometimes thinking requires imagination. Sometimes it requires you to be logical.
Art is the construction of a new, original thought.
Have you noticed most artists will start with stick figure people when beginning to draw or paint. Over time, they evolve, they go from these stick figures to picture perfect portraits of people. If this can be seen as art, then why can't thinking be seen as art?
When you first start to use your mind, as an infant, there is no way you could think of the same things that you can as an adult. It's learned. Thinking is evolution in your brain.

Answer 3

Each day your mind thinks about 100'000 thoughts, but most people don't really 'think about WHAT they think about.' They just do it automatically or mindlessly. Everyone has free will to actually choose (moment by moment) the mental commentaries and imageries they entertain in their minds.

The 'art' in thinking is to make sure that the thoughts running through your head each day are useful and productive ones. Optimistic, positive thoughts rather than just negative reactions to other people's thoughts and situations.

Make sure that your thinking is ORIGINAL and that your thoughtforms have stemmed from your own beliefs. View the world on your own terms. Take up your own stance on events in your world around you.

That is the 'art' of thinking.

Answer 4

Everyone thinks, but some don't bother to put much effort into it, Thinking isn't really an art, Performance after thoughts, is more of an art, because you acting your thoughts out. Most people don't get this far, and all they do is think. That won't get you anywhere.

Answer 5

I am certain that everyone would like to take something they have said back as soon as it leaves their mouth. Those people that can think rationally in a short period of time before responding to a question do have thinking down to an 'art form.'

Answer 6

I think this question and idea could go deeper than most people, myself included, could imagine. I think 'thinking' and 'thoughtfulness' could almost be an art, or at least something done on another level. Just thinking to continue a task or complete something is one thing, but to actually think deeply on thoughts and ideas, especially putting yourself into someone Else's shoes, is another level I wish more people would consider.

Answer 7

There is thinking like in human nature and then there is thinking like inventing a cure for cancer or writing a treatise - two very different things but wuith the same label

Answer 8

Not everyone can think especially rationally. I wouldn't say there was anything artistic in thinking, perhaps you mean 'there is an art to thinking' Ive heard that said before.

Answer 9

Isn't human nature art?


art (n) ..The creation of beautiful or significant things

Thinking is a beatiful and a very significant thing...

Answer 10

Of course its human nature to think. But the art in it . . .is what and how you think. Thats what seperate's everyone from each other.

Answer 11

I agree with the first answer, I am happy im a thinker. Look at Paris Hilton, you think she's a deep thinker?