Think Independently (Dimostrazione) – Learning from experience
The great Leonardo da Vinci taught his students the principle of DIMOSTRAZIONE – thinking independently and learning from hands-on experience.
The University of Alabama states that: "Independent thinking is the process of making sense of the world based on your own observations and experiences rather than depending on the word of others". It is the way we find and apply information and our ability to act rather than react, to source our own information rather than simply accepting it from others.
Independent thinking enables learners to make sense of the world based on personal experience (trial and error) and observation, and to make critical decisions in that way.
In this age of fake news, theft of personal information and manipulation, it is more important than ever to think for yourself and form your own conclusions based on personal discoveries rather than simply accepting the deluge information that is constantly presented to you.
Travelling and discovering the world for yourself is one of the best ways to learn to broaden your mind. You will realise that stereotypes are for the ignorant and people are far more interesting and complex than the stereotype would have you believe. Once you force yourself out of your comfort zone, you might look back and see that it wasn’t so comfortable after all. You might also discover ways to improve the life of your people through interaction with others.
We tend to surround ourselves with like-minded people and this can stunt independent thinking. Try to see other perspectives and do not necessarily follow the herd. Great innovators are people who question the status quo. They take a different path.
So, to be an independent thinker, start by asking questions, questioning everything, taking on new challenges and making up your own mind rather than simply accepting what is presented to you.