i need help, how can i begin to think more intelligently and observe my surroundings diffrently?

Question

when presented with an everyday problem, like determining the faster method or the most convenient, how can i begin to do something like that? its so difficult to express what im trying to ask. i just want to be able to think!

Answer 1

If you're interested in reading an excellent tome on the subject of thinking, I strongly recommend "Insight: A Study of Human Understanding" by Bernard Lonergan.


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Answer 2

Generally speaking any type of reading will help you tremendously. If you are in college take a lot of philosophy classes, preferably logic and/or metaphysics. Also concentrate, do not think of your inadequacies (we all have them) think of your problem concretely. Will faced with a problem ask yourself some tough questions, like what are the implications of this policy, does the situation pre-suppose anything that may not be true, it the statement coherent when applies to itself, etc. ? If you are not in college buy a formal logic text (Logic by Paul Tomassi is really good) and start reading and doing problems. The problems are abstract but your overall reasoning will be greatly improved.

Answer 3

It is based on observation and logical thinking. Probably the easiest way, though it sounds a bit corny, is to read some old Sherlock Holmes books, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The way his mind works is a classic example of observation and deductive reasoning. This could be exactly what you need, to reorganize your thinking processes. And good luck!

Answer 4

May seem strange, but exercising the brain helps. Do riddles, puzzles, and the like to help grease the gears in your brain. Try looking at things from different points of view. Think outside of the box; think as if there are no limits. Imagination in moderation is good also.

And reading. Reading is a big one. Reading and education really help.

Answer 5

I know exactly what you mean...
I would strongly advise you to do some journal-writing. I remember when a counselor many years ago repeatedly asked me how heavy the pen was today. It took me many days of hesitance before starting to write. Once I did... I couldn't stop!
I found that I had "so much stuff" in my head that I was carrying around with me. I had no idea it was clouding me of thinking clearly. It was as if I literally pulled all this "stuff" right out of my head and put it down on paper. It was there... for me to look at, to read, to ponder, to analyze, to read out loud... to do with as I wished. It wasn't going anywhere, and I could go over it as many times as I wanted. Just "me", no one else.
You would not BELIEVE just how much this "cleared" my head! Enough to be able to think clearly again! Just enough to make space "available" for new thoughts and ideas, or should I need to analyze or dissect a new situation. I didn't realize this was the initial purpose of teaching folks to keep a diary from a very young age.
I learned a lot about myself by doing this. I started noticing "patterns" in my actions, in my reactions, in my life in many ways. I started experimenting by doing and saying things differently... and then logging the situation(s) and result(s). Eventually, I would settle for what was best for me... but I learned to see things through different eyes. I learned compassion for others. I learned patience AND tolerance. I learned self-respect and the importance of respecting others fully. I learned that I couldn't offer love, friendship, etc., to anyone if I couldn't offer it to myself first.
I even went back and traced my roots, which also helped me develop much stronger relationships with many family members.
I'm 41, I've been divorced almost 20 years now, have been a proud single parent to 3 young adults (all went through teenage stages at the same time) who are my best friends, and am now a new grandmother. I still journal-write. It's my way of leaving things "at home" or "filed away"...

Answer 6

Study meditation and Buddhism. Or just read about them. Even that will get you thinking about things differently. Also, read books that aren't what you would normally read or come from a totally different perspective. A good thought provoker- Power versus Force- David R. Hawkins, MD, PhD

Answer 7

observe and start asking questions
once you ask questions, try to answer them in 'different' ways (perhaps, in the form of other questions, possibilities)
once you have different answers in your mind, simply decide which one is the best and why (again, another set of questions)
get it? you just have to ask questions all the time
and then, try to find out what others think about the topic, how does that relate to what you already think? does it change your mind? why?
questions, questions and questions...

if it is hard to form your own opinion before you read that of others, try to read others' thoughts first (do research) and then see what you think, what do they mean? do you agree/disagree? why?

and look, you have already done that right now...the question is posted...now you can go ahead and search 'intelligence' on the net (do you want to start with quotes on intelligence?) and then decide what it means to you and why

Good Luck :)

Answer 8

Do nothing but observe. Don't think, control, encourage, or attract attention to the object of your focus. Ask and listen.

Answer 9

try to "critically think"