How to Master the Art of Thinking

In my early years, I often dreaded discussions on current issues at work or in social settings. Either I was unsure of my stance or was certain but knew my perspective wouldn't resonate with the crowd, and I struggled to articulate it.

Recently, I discovered a video by Cal Newport outlining a simple framework for staying informed and cultivating critical thinking.

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### 1. Seek Quality Information

#### a. Disconnect from Social Media

- Uninstall Social Media Apps: Social media prioritizes engagement over information. If you must use it for work, log off as soon as your task is done to avoid falling into endless scrolling.

#### b. Curate Your Content Manually

- Avoid Algorithm-Driven Media: These platforms prioritize content designed to hook you, not inform you. Choose sources that serve your interests, not an algorithm's goals.

#### c. Adopt Cal Newport's Strategy

- Daily Information: Select one or two reliable news sources for updates. Combine a daily source (e.g., newsletters) for timely insights with a weekly magazine to get a broader perspective.

- Seasonal Deep Dives: Every 1-3 months, read a book on a topic you genuinely want to understand. After a single book, you'll often know more than most people who haven't studied the subject formally.

My Personal Approach:

- Daily: I read The Economist throughout the week.

- Weekend: I focus on Foreign Affairs to gain insights into global politics and understand international dynamics.

#### Balance Intellectual and Casual Media Consumption

Maintain a 1:1 ratio between entertainment and intellectually stimulating content. For each entertainment video you watch, engage with something that challenges your mind.

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### 2. Increase Your Tolerance for Boredom

#### Daily Practice: Spend 3 to 20 minutes daily on a task without your phone.

#### Weekend Practice: Include an hour-long phone-free activity. Personally, I use this time during workouts, chores, or extended cooking.

Phone-Foyer Method:

Designate a specific spot in your home for your phone. Only check it when necessary. Above all, do not take it to the bathroom—cut out distractions where possible.

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### 3. Cultivate Intellectual Engagement

#### a. Pair Primary and Secondary Sources

When approaching a topic, always pair primary texts with secondary ones for context.

- Secondary First: Before reading a classic, understand the historical context and significance. It enriches the experience. For instance, knowing the socio-political background behind Atlas Shrugged can deepen your understanding of Ayn Rand's intent.

#### b. Maintain Idea Documents

Develop documents summarizing your thoughts on various subjects.

- Write Summaries: For timeless topics, write concise summaries in your own words. Regularly update these.

- Track Current Thoughts: When a current issue feels significant, write about it. Organize your thoughts, put them in writing, and get off social media. This will help you articulate and refine your thinking without falling into groupthink.

- Share: Publish your ideas where they can receive thoughtful feedback. The act of articulating and being challenged sharpens your thinking.