There’s another level of thinking that most people seldom, if ever, achieve, or even attempt. That is the “use of one’s mind to actively form connected ideas” that are subtle and nuanced. Or to form opinions that do not come from preconceived positions in which the “thinking” takes the form of back filling with already held ideas that justify the conclusion. As John F. Kennedy said, “Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” Our opinions tend to spring fully formed from our “bedrock” beliefs, such as religious, political and social teachings. The tenets are the basis of our other beliefs and are not subject to being “thought” about themselves.
