Recycling

Most of us are like TV sets. We receive information and reproduce it as it has been sent to us. Often, we just store things to our memory and retract them when they are needed. The reproduction, from the content perspective, is more or less the same, but the quality may have been lowered in the process.

Watching and criticizing movies is easy. Coming up with a creative script and vision is another case entirely. The same applies to our thinking as well. We read and absorb vast amounts of data that we do not analyze. Most of our so-called education is based on recycling of information. One is taught to find, memorize, and rephrase information. Individual thinking and consideration are not highly appreciated or encouraged. Still, everyone has the capabilities of developing his or her own thinking.

Creative functions require concentration, will, and vision. First one needs to be able to formulate a vision or goal and then be able to materialize it into a physical form. Thinking is like making a movie. It all starts from will and desire to express yourself (e.g., a great storyline). This then has to be formulated somehow into a structure that consists of the logic and systematic setting (a script). Finally, one needs to be able to realize the concept into a production where the final product is a visible movie. All these stages take energy and persistence: one gets better with practice.

Thinking is considered to be hard and nonnatural for humans; therefore, it is a scarce resource. We are too lazy to use our brain. It requires effort. Nevertheless, we appreciate writers, composers, directors, painters, scientists, and all those great minds who are able to create something beautiful and innovative. All of us have different skills and talents. Creative thinking can lead us to amazing discoveries. How about trying? You may be surprised of the results: Cogito ergo sum.