Freeing ourselves from the burden of thinking: between making judgments and borrowing the knowledge of others

Man, as Dostoevsky described him, is a strange creature who sometimes prefers suffering to understanding. Escaping from independent thinking is not a rare phenomenon, but rather a common tendency that many of us practice unconsciously. Instead of facing the burden of critical thinking and deep analysis, humans resort to making quick judgments or borrowing the ideas of others as a refuge from this burden.

Making quick judgments is one form of escaping from thinking. When we encounter situations or people that we do not fully understand, we find ourselves rushing to place them within ready-made categories. These judgments give us a false sense of control and spare us the trouble of real understanding. However, this approach deprives us of the opportunity to discover new aspects and expand our intellectual horizons.

Borrowing the knowledge of others is another form of escaping from thinking. Instead of investing time in research and analysis, we rely on ready-made opinions and borrowed ideas. This approach may seem comfortable at first, but it gradually makes us lose the ability to make our own decisions independently. When we rely solely on what others say, we lose the opportunity to develop our own perspectives and build confidence in our abilities.

In business environments, avoiding independent thinking can be costly. Making quick judgments can lead to ill-considered decisions, while relying on the ideas of others robs companies of opportunities to innovate and excel. Companies that rely on independent critical thinking and adopt a proactive vision are better able to adapt to change and overcome challenges.

Encouraging independent thinking begins with recognizing the importance of continuous learning and being open to new ideas. When we allow ourselves to ask questions instead of making judgments, we open the door to new opportunities for understanding and growth. Developing critical thinking habits also enhances our ability to make sound decisions based on clear vision and careful analysis.

Managing teams in work environments requires creating a culture that encourages independent thinking and the exchange of ideas. When employees feel that their opinions are heard and valued, they become more engaged and innovative. Leaders who support this type of environment contribute to building a healthy work culture that enables companies to achieve sustainable growth.

It is important to learn how to balance between benefiting from the knowledge of others and developing our own independent thinking. Listening to the opinions of experts and benefiting from their experiences can be useful, but it should not be a substitute for critical thinking. Every idea we adopt needs to be analyzed and evaluated according to our own circumstances and goals.

Ultimately, life is full of challenges that require us to think deeply and make informed decisions. Relying on ready-made judgments and borrowed ideas may provide temporary comfort, but it will not lead us to growth or excellence. When we embrace independent thinking and work on developing our own vision, we find that success becomes closer.

Eng. Rami Makki

Business Consultant