Is it even possible to have a truly original thought anymore? In an age of constant information, instant communication, and endless remixing, it’s easy to feel like everything has already been said, done, or created.
We’re bombarded with ideas, opinions, and influences from every direction, making it seem like our thoughts echo what we’ve already encountered. Does this mean original thinking is dead?
My journey into exploring this began with a simple question: What does it mean to be creative? It led me to understand a concept called creative imitation. The truth is, we don’t create in a vacuum.
We build upon the ideas of others, remixing, transforming, and adding our unique perspective. However, this doesn’t negate the possibility of original thought. It redefines it.
This article isn’t about achieving some impossible ideal of absolute originality. It’s about learning how to think for yourself.
What Does It Mean to Think for Yourself
Thinking for yourself is more than just having opinions – everyone has opinions. It’s a process of actively and critically engaging with the world around you, questioning assumptions, and forming conclusions based on evidence, reason, and your unique perspective.
It’s about being willing to challenge the status quo, even when uncomfortable, and resisting the urge to follow the crowd blindly. It’s about cultivating originality.
But what is originality, really?
- Originality is NOT about creating something from nothing. That’s virtually impossible. Every idea, every creation, is built upon a foundation of existing knowledge and influences.
- Originality IS about novel synthesis. It’s about taking existing elements and combining them in a new, unexpected, and meaningful way
- Originality IS about a unique perspective. It’s about bringing your experiences, insights, and values to bear on a problem or idea.
- Originality IS about impact. It’s about creating something that has a genuinely new effect on the world, even if built upon previous foundations.
True independent thinking, then, requires intellectual humility (recognizing the limits of your knowledge and being open to learning from others) and intellectual courage (the willingness to stand by your convictions, even when they’re unpopular).
It’s questioning, exploring, and refining your understanding of the world.
The 5 Pillars of Original Thinking
Developing the ability to think for yourself, and therefore cultivate original thought, isn’t about magically conjuring ideas from thin air. It’s about building a solid foundation of intellectual habits and skills.
These cornerstones support independent thinking and allow you to generate ideas that are both insightful and authentically your own. Let’s call them the 5 pillars of original thought.
1. Self-Awareness
What are your deeply held values? What are your biases (we all have them!)? What are your emotional triggers? How do these factors influence your perception of information and the conclusions you draw?
Self-awareness is about knowing your strengths and weaknesses and understanding the lens through which you view the world.
A leader who is aware of their tendency towards confirmation bias will be more likely to actively seek out dissenting opinions, leading to more balanced and potentially original solutions.
2. Information Literacy
With the level of information overload, being able to critically evaluate sources is necessary. Original thought cannot be built on misinformation or poorly vetted ideas.
Information literacy is about developing a healthy skepticism and a commitment to seeking reliable information.
For example, when encountering a news article online, don’t just read the headline. Check the source. Is it a reputable news organization? Does the author have any known biases? Is the information supported by evidence?
3. Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the engine of original thinking. It involves objectively analyzing information, identifying underlying assumptions, evaluating arguments logically, and forming well-reasoned conclusions.
Instead of accepting a popular opinion on a social issue, a critical thinker would examine the evidence on both sides, consider the potential motivations of those involved, and form their independent judgment.
4. Openness to New Ideas
Original thought often emerges from the collision of different perspectives. This requires a willingness to entertain ideas that challenge your beliefs, even if they make you uncomfortable.
A scientist deeply committed to a particular theory might still actively seek out research that contradicts their theory, recognizing that this could lead to a breakthrough.
5. Curiosity
This is a basic requirement for knowledge acquisition and growth. And it is best expressed by asking questions. Ask “why” and “how” about everything.
Make a list of things you’re curious about and spend some time each week exploring those topics, actively seeking answers, and expanding your knowledge.
Why Thinking for Yourself Matters
Why should you strive to think for yourself and cultivate original thought? The benefits extend far beyond simply having good ideas. It’s about shaping your entire life experience. When you learn how to think for yourself, you’ll enjoy:
- Increased Autonomy: You become less susceptible to manipulation and external influence. You’ll also be able to choose what truly aligns with your values and goals, rather than blindly following the crowd or succumbing to societal pressure. This is the essence of our brand’s “Be Free” philosophy.
- Improved Decision-Making: Original thinking allows you to approach problems from multiple angles, consider several possibilities, and make more informed and rational decisions. You’re not limited by pre-packaged solutions or conventional wisdom.
- Greater Creativity: Original thought is, by definition, the foundation of creativity and innovation. By challenging assumptions, exploring new perspectives, and synthesizing diverse influences, you position yourself to generate truly original ideas.
- Enhanced Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and creatively is essential for effective problem-solving. You’re able to identify the root causes of problems, develop innovative solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Stronger Sense of Self: When you think for yourself, you develop a more confident and authentic sense of self. Your beliefs and values are your own, not inherited or adopted without question. This leads to greater self-acceptance and a stronger sense of purpose.
- More Meaningful Life: By actively engaging with the world, questioning assumptions, and forming your understanding, you create a richer and more meaningful life experience. You’re not just passively accepting what you’re told but actively shaping your reality.
Practical Habits for Cultivating Original Thoughts
Learning how to think for yourself is not a passive endeavor. It requires conscious effort and the cultivation of specific habits. Here are some practical strategies to help you on this journey:
Question Everything (Respectfully)
This is the cornerstone of independent thinking. Don’t accept information at face value, even from trusted sources.
Develop a habit of asking “why?” “How do we know this is true?” “What are the potential biases?” “What are the alternative perspectives?” “What are the unstated assumptions?”
Instead of simply accepting a news headline, for instance, dig deeper. Read multiple articles on the same topic, from different sources, and consider the potential motivations of the authors and publishers.
Journal your questions. Each day, write down at least one question that challenges a commonly held belief or assumption and explore it.
Seek Diverse Perspectives
Actively expose yourself to different viewpoints, even those you disagree with. This broadens your understanding and challenges your own biases, fostering original thinking.
Read books and articles from authors with diverse backgrounds and opinions. Engage in respectful conversations with people who hold different beliefs.
Follow social media accounts that challenge your assumptions (but be mindful of filter bubbles). Make it a point to consume media outside your usual comfort zone.
Practice Active Listening
Truly listen to what others are saying, without interrupting, judging, or formulating your response while they’re talking.
In your next conversation, focus entirely on understanding the other person’s perspective. Ask clarifying questions like, “Can you elaborate on that?” or “What led you to that conclusion?”.
Reflect on what you’ve heard: “So, if I understand correctly, you’re saying that…”. This improves communication and helps you internalize different ways of thinking.
Engage in Deep Work
Carve out time for focused, distraction-free thinking. This is when you can truly process information, make connections, and generate original ideas.
Schedule 1-2 hours each day (or several times a week) for deep work. Turn off your phone, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted.
Start with short bursts of deep work (e.g., 25 minutes, using the Pomodoro Technique, and gradually increase the duration as you build your focus muscle.
Embrace Creative Imitation
Learn from the masters, but don’t simply copy them. Analyze their work, understand their techniques, and then adapt and transform them to create something new, using those as raw materials to come up with original thoughts.
If you’re a writer, study the work of authors you admire. Analyze their sentence structure, use of language, and storytelling techniques. Then, try to apply those techniques in your writing, but with your unique voice and perspective.
Choose one specific skill or technique from a maestro in your field and practice it deliberately for a week.
Develop a Regular Journaling Practice
Writing is a good way to think. This makes journaling a powerful tool for self-reflection, idea generation, and cultivating original ideas.
Use your journal to explore your thoughts and feelings, brainstorm ideas, reflect on your experiences, and track your progress on your goals.
Try different journaling prompts to stimulate your thinking. For example: “What’s something I believe that most people disagree with?” “What’s a problem I’d like to solve?” “What’s something I’m curious about?” “What if the opposite were true?”
Practice Critical Thinking
Original ideas often emerge from a rigorous process of critical thinking. When you encounter new information, don’t just accept it; analyze it.
Identify the main argument or claim. Examine the evidence presented. Are there any logical fallacies? What are the unstated assumptions?
Consider alternative perspectives. Evaluate the source’s credibility and potential biases. Form your conclusion, based on your careful evaluation.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to observe them without judgment and choose how to respond. This creates space for original thoughts to emerge, rather than being caught in habitual thinking patterns.
Even a few minutes of quiet solitude, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can make a significant difference.
Your Mind, Your Thoughts, Your Life
Ultimately, learning how to think for yourself is about taking ownership of your mind. It’s a journey of continuous learning, questioning, and growth. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are worth it.
Embrace the challenge, cultivate independent thinking, and start shaping your unique perspective today.
What’s one step you can take today to cultivate more original thought? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
