Four layers to add to your depth of thought

The more rigor we put to our own critical thinking, the more empathy we will have for others.

The more emotional intelligence we develop, the healthier our external relationships become.

We’re killing two stones with one bird. It’s a positive feedback loop.

As we increase our own depth of thought, we naturally develop a respect for the thoughts of others. As above, so below. Depth of thought ripples out beyond the individual. There’s an inevitable interconnectedness between personal development and societal change.

Whose depth of thought do you respect? How might your relationships look different if you amped up the mental rigor?

The good news is, there’s no right path. There are as many approaches to depth of thought as there are people to take them.

Seinfeld once made the following observation:

If you spend your life in comedy, the gift that you are given is, you see through the surface of everything. Even life itself. If you could hear some of the conversations that comedians have with each other, you would feel like you took the most cleansing rain shower of your life. Because it is so peeled away of the surfaces and the gauzy, phony planes of existence that most people deal with. Comedians just chuck it all, and the residue is their product. They’re seeing into life in a way most people can’t even see. It’s like eight layers of fake cream and veneers of waterproof wood coating. That’s where most people live, and that’s why they come to see a comedian.

Jerry’s theory isn’t restricted to people who stand on a stage and tell jokes. Or sit in a writer’s room and craft scripts. There is strategy to this depth of thought that anyone can practice for personal and societal benefit.

Here’s how it works.

1. Look for moments of dissonance. Things in your field of vision that catch your attention through pattern breaking.
2. Double click and zoom in. Dig deeper to see what else is behind this moment. Think about the dynamics between parts and players to understand underlying messages and values.
3. See what’s not there. Is there something that should be in your field of vision, but isn’t?
4. Find the various objects that were wrong. What’s wrong with this picture?

Those are four layers to add to your depth of thought in virtually any situation.

Bottom line, process trumps content. It’s more important to me how we think than what we think.

Doing so does require real cognitive engagement, critical thinking and curiosity. But once you get into the habit of it, that process becomes second nature. And most importantly, fun. Soon your depth of thought will increase, and it will ripple out beyond the individual.

The inevitable interconnectedness between personal development and societal change will make itself manifest.

When you go neck deep into critical thought, it stretches your mind, and help society reach new heights.