Everyone, everywhere, at some point in their lives, has believed something that was wrong. This isn’t new. People used to think the Earth was flat. Or that the Earth was the center of the universe. Or that bloodletting was an effective medical practice. And so on.
Forming an incorrect belief isn’t a defect in humanity. But holding onto that belief is.
Most people are adept at first-order thinking, able to anticipate the immediate effects of their actions. It’s a basic skill we must develop in adolescence. First-order thinking is simple and quick. There are sometimes benefits to speed in decision-making. But it’s immensely limiting, and often counterproductive, to move swiftly without much regard for direction. That’s why we need second-order thinking.
Second-Order Thinking Read More »