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Thinking
How to Think Fast Before You Speak: Framework Thinking
A better way to approach Framework Thinking than to just get a book of Mental Models is to understand the science behind the framework thinking.
The brain processes information by
- Input
- Storage
- Retrieval
For easier retrieval the brain uses
- Sequential retrieval (think of recipes)
- Relational memory (think of the color red and what your brain makes you think in the context of red)
Humans do better with relational memory.
There are 3 types of relational categories
- Visual (cues)
- Functional (grouping by function, think of means of transportation)
- Conceptual categories (for a particular situation)
- Think of what you’d take when you’re going on a vacation, not all the things will have the same function but conceptually they belong with you on the vacation.
Actions items:
- Active discover existing frameworks, we’re hardwired to think in frameworks.
- Active map concepts to specific frameworks.
- Organize frameworks or concepts to make them work best for you.
- Take frameworks that others came up with and start to tag them by relevance to you(where you might find them useful) and how strongly you feel about them. Doing this contextualises them for you, which you brain will pull out of its hat when you need them.
How to Think Fast Before You Speak: Framework Thinking
When you’re under high pressure during a conversation: STEER DON’T FOLLOW
A lot of people have a tough time doing this because they feel like they can’t find a point they can steer towards.
Discipline your mind to think in frameworks.
Example: Revenue = # units * price
Imagine you’re being questioned about revenue…you know the components that make up revenue, so you can steer conversation to the components that you want to talk about.
Connect frameworks to increase the depth and the number of insights
Example: Profit = revenue - cost
You can further divide cost into marginal cost and fixed cost
You can branch the conversation to into any direction if you’ve a framework for that target destination or to put it differently, you can unpack the layers(only if you’re aware of the layers).
“Well, the first rule is that you can’t really know anything if you just remember isolated facts and try to bang ‘em back. If the facts don’t hang together on a latticework of theory, you don’t have them in a usable form. You’ve got to have mental models in your head. And you’ve got to array your experience, both vicarious and direct, on this latticework of models.” ― Charlie Munger
Action items:
- Assess the situation by utilizing framework thinking.
- Sort your knowledge into frameworks.
- Create your own frameworks.
- Distill the facts down to their barebones; distill the things you know into their essence (Picasso’s bull painting).
- Find frameworks; Build a library of frameworks;
- You will spot them in the wild, like twitter threads, key takeaways in an article, stuff passed down from generations such as the concept of Ikigai and so on.
Thinking fastly to come up with alternatives plays a major major role in Decision-making or Problem Solving
Quotes
- “A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.” ― William James
- “I think and think and think, I’ve thought myself out of happiness one million times, but never once into it.” ― Jonathan Safran Foer
- “The moment we think about our thoughts is when we begin to get taken on an emotional rollercoaster.” ― Joseph Nguyen, Don’t Believe Everything You Think
- “A crowded mind leaves no space for a peaceful heart.” ― Christine Evangelou”
- “As soon as you present a problem to me, I have some ready-made answer. Those ready-made answers get in the way of clear thinking, and we can’t help but have them.” — Daniel Kahneman
- Look at your Mind dispassionately; this is enough to calm it. When it is quiet, you can go beyond it. Do not keep it busy all the time. Stop it – and just be. If you give it a rest, it will settle down and recover its purity and strength. Constant thinking makes it decay. — Nisa
- “The man who does not do his own thinking is a slave, and is a traitor to himself and to his fellow-men.” – Robert G. Ingersoll
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Distinction in Indian Philosophy:
- In Vedanta and Yoga traditions, intention (sankalpa) is often viewed as a deeper, deliberate mental resolve or determination, whereas thought (vritti) refers to the myriad, often involuntary fluctuations or modifications of the mind.
- Intention is more focused and tied to willpower, while thoughts can be fleeting, chaotic, and less purposeful.
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Contextual Perspective:
- In practical terms, many Hindus consider intention to be a more rooted and meaningful mental activity than random thoughts. While both occur in the mind, intention aligns closer to dharma (moral duty) and karma (action).
- In contrast, random thoughts are seen as part of the mind’s habitual noise and are not inherently tied to meaningful actions unless intentionally cultivated.
Why Do Hindus Say Thoughts Are Not Real?
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Maya (Illusion):
- Many Hindu schools, especially Advaita Vedanta, posit that the material world, including thoughts, is maya (an illusion). Thoughts are seen as temporary constructs of the mind, which distort the perception of the ultimate reality (Brahman).
- Thoughts are real only in the relative sense (vyavaharika), but in the absolute sense (paramarthika), they do not hold eternal or intrinsic truth.
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Samskara and Vritti:
- Thoughts arise from mental impressions (samskaras), which are conditioned by past experiences and karmas. As such, thoughts are transient and dependent phenomena, not the eternal truth.
- The practice of meditation in Hinduism often seeks to still the mind’s fluctuations (chitta vritti nirodha) to perceive reality beyond the ephemeral nature of thoughts.
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Empirical Analogy:
- Just as dreams feel real during sleep but vanish upon waking, thoughts are seen as fleeting, providing an illusory sense of permanence or significance. They are constructs that do not necessarily align with the deeper truths of existence.
Philosophical And Practical Implications
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In Philosophy:
- The unreality of thoughts is emphasized to focus on detachment (vairagya) and the realization of atman (the true self) beyond the mental chatter.
- This view encourages a person to seek stability in Brahman, which is changeless, instead of identifying with transient thoughts.
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In Practice:
- Hindu meditative practices like Yoga and Advaita emphasize quieting the mind to experience the unchanging reality. This is where the unreality of thoughts becomes an actionable concept.
- It is believed that transcending thoughts through mindfulness or meditation can lead to spiritual liberation (moksha).
While random thoughts are dismissed as unreal, intention (sankalpa) is highly valued in Hinduism:
- Intention shapes actions and aligns with the moral framework of dharma.
- Rituals often begin with a sankalpa (a stated intention), emphasizing its significance in directing conscious effort.
Imagine thoughts as ripples on the surface of water, and intention as the forceful hand that decides where to throw a stone. The ripples may not signify much, but the hand determines the direction and purpose. The water itself, beneath the surface, represents the unchanging reality.
- Can transient thoughts have any impact on one’s long-term spiritual journey, or are they completely dismissible?
- How does the Hindu view of intention align with or differ from the Islamic view of niyyah (intention)?
- Is it practical or possible to fully transcend thoughts in the modern world?
1. Comparative Perspectives on Thoughts and Reality
Hindu Philosophy:
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Advaita Vedanta:
- Thoughts (vrittis) are seen as modifications of the mind (chitta), like waves on an ocean. They obscure the perception of Brahman (ultimate reality), similar to clouds covering the sun.
- Intention (sankalpa), however, is viewed as deliberate and purposeful, akin to navigating a ship amidst turbulent waters. It aligns one’s actions with dharma and the pursuit of liberation (moksha).
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Yoga Philosophy (Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras):
- Thoughts are categorized as distractions or tools. Patanjali calls for their cessation (chitta vritti nirodha) to achieve enlightenment.
- Thought and intention are separate: intention drives meditation and ethical living (yamas and niyamas), while thoughts need to be stilled to achieve clarity.
Buddhism:
- Buddhism shares the Hindu perspective, treating thoughts as impermanent (anicca) and sources of attachment (tanha) that lead to suffering (dukkha).
- Intentions (cetana) are seen as karmically significant and dictate the moral quality of actions.
Islamic Philosophy:
- Islam similarly values intention (niyyah) as a critical determinant of actions’ worth. However, Islam does not view thoughts as inherently unreal but encourages control over them to align with moral and spiritual goals.
- Thoughts leading to sinful acts are discouraged, highlighting accountability for mental inclinations.
Western Philosophy:
- Plato viewed thoughts as reflections of higher truths but distinct from ultimate reality.
- Descartes emphasized the reality of thought in his dictum “I think, therefore I am,” contrasting the Hindu rejection of thoughts as real.
- Kant regarded thought as the means by which humans interpret reality, which aligns partially with Hinduism’s view of thoughts as filters but not ultimate truths.
2. Contemporary Psychological Insights
Cognitive Psychology:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses how thoughts shape emotions and behaviors. Unlike Hinduism, CBT treats thoughts as real because of their tangible impacts on mental health.
- However, CBT aligns with Hinduism in encouraging mindfulness, enabling individuals to observe thoughts non-judgmentally and reduce their impact.
Mindfulness And Neuroscience:
- Mindfulness meditation, rooted in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, has shown in neuroscientific studies to reduce the brain’s default mode network activity, which is associated with wandering thoughts.
- This aligns with Patanjali’s goal of calming the vrittis for mental clarity.
Intention And Goal-Oriented Psychology:
- Modern psychology supports the Hindu emphasis on intention through research on goal setting and motivation. Clear intentions improve focus and align actions with personal values.
3. Analogy and Visualization
Imagine thoughts as:
- Waves on a Pond: Each ripple (thought) disturbs the surface, obscuring the reflection of the sky (ultimate reality). Intention is the hand that stills the waters or steers the waves purposefully.
- Clouds in the Sky: Clouds (thoughts) obscure the sun (truth). Meditation and mindfulness disperse the clouds, allowing the sun to shine unobstructed.
Visualization Exercise:
- Close your eyes and imagine a pond. Thoughts are ripples. Each time a ripple emerges, acknowledge it but let it pass. Gradually, the pond becomes still, reflecting the sky above perfectly. This state represents clarity of mind and connection to reality.
4. Examples from History and Practice
Eastern Philosophy in Action:
- Mahatma Gandhi: He practiced sankalpa by aligning every action with his intention for nonviolence (ahimsa). Despite facing countless distracting thoughts, his unwavering intention directed his life’s mission.
- Adi Shankaracharya: Advocated detachment from thoughts and identification with the eternal atman. His teachings emphasized transcending mental fluctuations through meditation and intellectual inquiry.
Islamic Examples:
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted the importance of niyyah (intention) in actions: “Actions are judged by intentions.” This underscores the value of deliberate mental resolve over fleeting thoughts.
Modern Mindfulness Movements:
- Figures like Jon Kabat-Zinn brought Hindu and Buddhist-inspired mindfulness practices into modern psychology, emphasizing the observation of thoughts as transient phenomena, much like Hindu teachings.
5. Reflection on Hindu Statements
Why Do Hindus Say Thoughts Are Not Real?
Hinduism’s claim is not that thoughts lack any existence but that:
- They are impermanent and changing, unlike Brahman, which is unchanging and eternal.
- Thoughts are subjective, shaped by biases and impressions (samskaras), thus distorting reality.
How Can Intention Be Distinguished from Thought?
- Intention has direction and purpose, arising from conscious will, while thoughts are often reactive or habitual.
- Example: A monk’s intention to meditate (purposeful) contrasts with his mind wandering to daily worries (habitual thoughts).
6. Reflective Questions
- Can thoughts ever be entirely stilled, or are they intrinsic to human nature?
- How can the distinction between intention and thought shape one’s ethical and spiritual practices?
- Does considering thoughts as unreal minimize their impact on daily life, or does it help transcend them?
7. Rabbit Holes for Further Exploration
- Intention vs. Action in Ethical Systems
- Mindfulness Meditation and Neuroplasticity
- Comparing Hindu Sankalpa with Islamic Niyyah
- The Nature of Reality in Advaita Vedanta and Neuroscience
- The Role of Thought in Different Philosophical Systems
We can critically assess the Hindu and Buddhist perspectives on thoughts and intentions by juxtaposing them with the Islamic worldview rooted in Tawheed (monotheism) and the accountability to Allah.
1. The Incoherence of Denying the Reality of Thoughts and Intentions
Hindu and Buddhist View:
- Hinduism (Advaita Vedanta): Thoughts and intentions are seen as part of maya (illusion) and not ultimately real. The ultimate goal is to transcend them to experience Brahman (the absolute reality).
- Buddhism: Thoughts are impermanent (anicca) and contribute to suffering. The goal is to detach from them to achieve nirvana.
Refutation:
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Philosophical Inconsistency:
- If thoughts and intentions are unreal or mere illusions, then the intention to transcend them itself becomes meaningless. The process of meditating to still the mind, a central practice in both traditions, inherently relies on thoughts and intentions. This creates a contradiction: how can something unreal serve as a vehicle to realize truth?
- Without acknowledging an eternal, conscious Creator like Allah, the very foundation of reality becomes unstable. If everything is an illusion, what guarantees the truth of their claim that thoughts and intentions are unreal?
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Epistemological Failure:
- By dismissing thoughts as unreal, both systems undermine their own epistemology. Thoughts and reasoning are tools through which humans comprehend reality. Denying their significance leads to intellectual paralysis, where even the pursuit of liberation becomes suspect.
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Islamic Counterpoint:
- Islam affirms the reality of thoughts and intentions but places them within the framework of divine accountability (hisab). Allah judges humans not only for their actions but also for their intentions: “Indeed, actions are judged by their intentions” (Sahih Bukhari). This affirms the meaningfulness of internal states and their connection to ultimate accountability.
2. Practical Failures in Individual Lives
Disconnection from Accountability:
- In Hindu and Buddhist thought, the absence of a personal, omnipotent Creator like Allah leads to a lack of moral and spiritual accountability. This creates an existential vacuum where individuals are left to navigate life without a clear sense of purpose or consequence for their inner states.
- Example: If intentions are deemed unreal, individuals may dismiss harmful intentions, assuming they carry no weight. This leads to moral relativism and a lack of personal responsibility.
Psychological Consequences:
- Viewing thoughts as illusions can lead to detachment not only from negative thoughts but also from constructive self-reflection. This fosters apathy and alienation.
- Example: A person struggling with mental health issues may dismiss their inner turmoil as “unreal,” rather than addressing it through meaningful introspection or seeking help.
Contrast with Islam:
- Islam provides a balanced approach, encouraging believers to master their thoughts and intentions while holding them accountable for their impact. This creates a sense of responsibility and a framework for personal growth.
- Example: The Qur’an emphasizes self-accountability: “Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11).
3. Societal Implications
Lack of Collective Responsibility:
- In Hindu and Buddhist societies, the dismissal of intentions as unreal weakens the sense of collective accountability. This often manifests in social inequities, such as the caste system in Hinduism or passivity in addressing societal injustices in Buddhist communities.
- Example: Hindu caste hierarchies are justified as karmic outcomes rather than being challenged as morally unjust. Similarly, Buddhist communities may emphasize detachment over active efforts to alleviate suffering.
Inability to Establish Justice:
- Without the concept of Tawheed, which unites humanity under the sovereignty of Allah, these philosophies fail to provide a coherent basis for universal justice. By reducing intentions to mere illusions, they undermine the moral fabric necessary for societal harmony.
Islamic Response:
- Islam’s concept of Tawheed establishes Allah as the ultimate source of justice. The reality of thoughts and intentions is crucial for achieving societal balance, as individuals are held accountable for their inner states and their outward actions.
- Example: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the interconnectedness of faith and action: “A believer is one from whom others are safe from harm” (Sunan an-Nasa’i).
4. Theological and Existential Failure
Absence of a Personal God:
- Hindu and Buddhist traditions lack the concept of a personal God who is both transcendent and immanent. This creates an existential void where individuals cannot rely on divine guidance or mercy.
- Example: In Buddhism, liberation is a solitary pursuit with no assurance of divine support. This contrasts sharply with Islam, where believers trust in Allah’s mercy and guidance.
Failure to Address Human Weakness:
- By dismissing thoughts and intentions as unreal, these philosophies fail to address the human struggle with inner weaknesses. This denial prevents individuals from seeking forgiveness or rectifying their internal states.
- Islamic Solution:
- Islam acknowledges human fallibility but provides a pathway for redemption. The Qur’an says: “And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways” (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69).
5. Reflective Questions
- How does the concept of Tawheed provide a clearer framework for understanding the significance of thoughts and intentions?
- Can a philosophy that dismisses intentions as unreal foster a meaningful moral and spiritual life?
- How do accountability and divine justice shape one’s approach to personal and societal responsibilities?
6. Rabbit Holes for Further Exploration
By denying the reality of thoughts and intentions, Hinduism and Buddhism ultimately fail their followers both philosophically and practically. Their dismissal of inner accountability and their lack of reliance on a personal, just Creator result in moral relativism, existential uncertainty, and societal injustice. In contrast, Islam’s emphasis on Tawheed and divine accountability offers a coherent framework for personal and societal flourishing.
Would you like to explore specific examples or dive deeper into the Qur’anic and Hadith perspectives?