Do you think OUTSIDE the box?

Question

If no, why not?
If yes, how so?

Answer 1

It's been a while since I last sent you a bat-signal so, thought I'd give this one a try ;)

Well, a typical way of saying "yes, I do think outside the box" would be to deny the very presence of the box. (As can be seen in some of the answers here). The whole point in thinking OUTSIDE the box is to realise that things can be seen the way you want them to be.

You want to see God and His miracles? You'll see 'em all around you. You want to feel the presence of a supernatural entity around you? You'll be inundated with mystic "hints" from the underworld. And if you want yourself to be a non-believer, any subliminal hints from any mystical God or Goddess won't impress you.

(Please note that I am saying this with a third person's perspective i.e. neither as a religion-enthusiast nor as a non-believer which by the way, is the first condition of thinking outside the box.)

To think OUTSIDE the box, you need to rise above *all* your presumptions and predispositions and be completely rational in your thoughts. Which I don't think I am capable of. But, at the same time, I am striving continuously to achieve that state where all my predispositions vanish and I view failure and success, love and hatred, rich and poor... with the same eye.

I'll quote an ancient Hindu text here-

"Remain even-minded at all times, even amidst profit or loss, pleasure or pain, sickness or health, victory or defeat, praise or criticism." -- Bhagwad Gita

===== ======= ======== ======= ======
Now, to answer your follow-up "how" question more vividly, here are a few things I do to remain free of presumptions and think OUTSIDE the limits of the normal view and viewpoints-

1- I listen.
I listen more than I speak. If someone poses a question upon me, I, before answering, make sure that I understand the question clearly and get rid of all the wandering thoughts in my mind that might hinder or skew my thought process.

Also, when in a debate, I like to understand the opposition's point before opening my mouth.

2- I read.
The fact that I *think* that atheism is the logical choice between theism and atheism doesn't mean that I won't read religious texts and restrict my reading to "Why Am I An Atheist" type essays. I would very much like to be acquainted with the thoughts that I am refusing to support.

Same goes with almost all of the disciplines of study. Reading about an alternative or older theory or idea never takes anything away. It only enriches your thinking outside-the-box powers.

3- I think
I think a lot. Sometimes (well, most of the times), I do not reach any conclusions, but the thoughts that come to mind while pondering over any topic later help me reason and question the prevalent theories and ideas.

4- I watch
I observe things. As Einstein once said, "It's not that I'm more intelligent than others or anything, it's just that I stay with problems a little longer."

I too try to observe things till they unfold their intricacies to me.

Well, there are more things for sure but here's the thing you really want me to do:

5- I close my answer now as I realise that I have written a boring essay in place of an answer.
I hope someone reads my answer... but I don't THINK someone will........... Maybe, I just need to THINK outside the box.

Answer 2

What box?Wheere is this box?If I'm in the box,how can I get out?Why is it a box in the first place?Why not a rectangle?Or a sphere?And if it was something other than a box,would we still have to think inside of it?Or could we not think at all?If we didn't think would we relize it's a box or would the pretty colors keep us busy?I honestly don't know,I tend to think in pictures.

Answer 3

Oh gosh no - think of of a choir. Or the unique pass of site visitors on the Lion's Gate bridge in Vancouver the place 2 lanes merge daily, automobile for automobile, like a militia drill team, at 70 MPH. i'm surprised every time i think of of it that we can force our streets and not crash - what a ballet it quite is. Ever been in a loving team, too? And all of us gown to pass out in public, oftentimes - notwithstanding that is quite sizeable if we don't! BTW, I replied a "women basically answer this" question the day gone by affirming which you had presented me 2 honorary female memberships for answering such questions consistent with 300 and sixty 5 days. lower back me up on that wouldya? * smiles winningly *

Answer 4

What box? How's that for thinking outside it?

Answer 5

Only for some things, but mostly I keep my box tightly duct taped so no thoughts can escape.

Answer 6

I have to I threw my box away years ago when my fairytale fantasy was cancelled.

Answer 7

I like your name and picture.
Cant answer the question cuz i dont know what u r on about!

Answer 8

got my own box.....not one else allowed in

Answer 9

yes.jsut asnewr quetsinos dffietenrly.:)

Answer 10

no,,i play for england.