I’ve Been Thinking About Thinking

Thomas Edison once said, “Five percent of the people think; ten percent of the people think they think; and the other eighty-five percent would rather die than think.” That thought is in itself thought-provoking.

I think he meant that 5% genuinely engage in critical and independent thought. That 10% of people believe they are thinking critically, but are actually just influenced by others or are not deeply engaged with the issues at hand. And the 85% group avoids the effort and discomfort of deep thought, preferring accept information passively or remain in the state of non-thinking.

In all honesty, I think I spend some time in each category, but I’m trying to spend more time in the real thinking category. Reading and discussion (often over dinner or coffee), as well as, writing helps me with this. When I have to write or articulate a thought or position to someone else, it requires me to take my thinking to another level. It exercises my brain, it makes me come alive…and it helps me not let the old man in.

But here’s another thought to keep in mind and to try to counterbalance with Edison’s quote. Other writers have said something to the effect of this: “The mind is like a dangerous neighborhood. Don’t go there alone.” At first that sounds like a cry from a deranged and troubled individual. But the Bible seems to indicate that the problem may be more widespread because it cautions us: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?”  (Jeremiah 17:9)

I’m still going to give this more thought, but here’s where I’m at right now. And you can agree or disagree on what to do about the situation.

I think I need a benchmark, a level, a plumb line, a North Star. I choose God’s Word for this so I plan to continue reading and studying the Bible both by myself and in a weekly Bible Study.

As a Christ follower, I need not go alone into my sometimes dangerous and deceitful mind/heart. His Spirit is in me. I need to choose to let it direct me.

Other perspectives help expand my thinking. I think I need to keep having book and Bible studies with other men—even if that means taking the initiative to invite others or to sometimes cook dinner—since meal sharing is a powerful catalyst.

A trusted, wise counsel with a Biblical worldview is important. I think I need to continue to have such a mentor and to be such a mentor for another man. I have been blessed and I want to be a blessing to others.

Listening is important. I think I need to continue to train myself to be a better listener. I used to be busy thinking about my verbal response instead of truly listening to the speaker. I think I need to seek to understand rather than to compete or to debate.

As a Christ follower, I’m on a mission. I think I’ll continue to focus on my God-given mission, The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) “to go and make disciples…” It brings significance to what I do and it’s a powerful motivation to keep thinking, reading, writing, meal sharing and loving others.

What do you think —regarding this or whatever else has been on your mind lately? Remember…It isn’t just about the fly fishing.

John Muckerman

FATC Inspirational and Leadership Studies Lead