We occasionally mistake instinct for good judgment. But instinct and good judgment are two entirely different things. Although good judgment and instinct can occasionally overlap, they are not the same thing. It turns out that when we act quickly and on instinct, we frequently make snap judgments and don't consider all the options. We already know that people have a tendency to prefer certainty and speed over accuracy, which is why it's so crucial to go against your instincts. (King P. (2019)).
Perception is biased: We should question our initial instincts, especially when it comes to perception. Perception is about how we interpret what we see or hear, often leading to cognitive biases. A cognitive bias is a systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment. Individuals create their own "subjective social reality" from their perception of the input. This can lead to a lack of clarity in our thinking. (King P. (2019)).
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Perspective isn’t reality: Perspective is an individual's subjective point of view shaped by personal experiences and beliefs, compared: perception is the interpretation of sensory information that may not always accurately represent reality. Perspective is not reality, it’s just your perspective. To be able to think clearly, you must gain a three- dimensional view of a situation or decision. (King P. (2019)).
Feelings are not facts: One common mistake that we have all made at some point in our lives is taking our emotional reactions for facts, or mistaking our feelings for reality. This is the complete opposite of rational thought and is also referred to as emotional reasoning. You concur with the notion that "I feel this way, therefore it must be true" when applying emotional reasoning. Reality is neutral, and it is your emotions that cause you to perceive it in any particular way. (King P. (2019)). “Viewing a situation with emotional reasoning is like watching a completely benign scene with horror music being played over it.” (King P. (2019)).
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Memories are wrong: Our memories are often unreliable and prone to distortion, frequently leading us to be mistaken about past events, as they have a tendency to rewrite themselves without our awareness (King P. (2019)).
Clear thinking, specifically through the acquisition of rational and scientific thinking skills, offers one of the most valuable investments in personal growth and development. By honing these skills, you can unlock a remarkable return on investment in terms of cognitive clarity, decision-making, and understanding the world around you. So, let's delve into the rewards awaiting those who embark on the journey of rational and scientific thinking. (Sharma, Shreyas (2020))
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Gain accurate knowledge of the world: Scientific reasoning enables us to acquire a more precise and fact-based knowledge of the natural world. By challenging presumptions or views that might not be substantiated by actual evidence, it aids in the separation of fact from fiction. In our day-to-day routines, we naturally employ scientific thinking to make sense of the world around us. From peering out the window to decide what to wear, to experimenting with ingredients for a perfect cake, or investigating why our tomato plants aren't thriving, scientific thinking plays a crucial role. By utilizing scientific thinking, we gain a deeper understanding of our surroundings. (Brooke Larm, and Alan Jaros, Michigan State University Extension. (2017)).
