26/07/2023
I was just listening to Jordan Peterson’s perspective on thoughts. Dr. Peterson, a Canadian clinical psychologist and professor, often discusses the nature of thought and the importance of being critical and discerning about the thoughts one has.
Peterson suggests treating thoughts as objects. This is an interesting way to consider thoughts – by viewing them as external objects, one can analyze and evaluate them without immediately identifying with or being consumed by them. This perspective can be particularly helpful when managing negative or intrusive thoughts because it provides a distance between the individual and the thought, allowing for a more objective evaluation.
I believe “mostly what I think others think is more often wrong than right” ties into this. By treating thoughts as objects, one can analyse the origin and validity of such beliefs without being immediately swayed by them. If you believe that what others think is often mistaken, it can be useful to take a step back, treat that belief as an object, and assess it critically, just as Peterson suggests.
I think it’s essential to remember that everyone’s thoughts – our own and those of others – are influenced by countless factors: upbringing, experiences, biases, emotions, and more.
Recognizing this can help in understanding and navigating our day-to-day battles with upsetting and selfish behaviour.
Cheers,
Simon Roach
Director
For 30 years, Loyalty has been behind hundreds of successful launches, brand awareness and customer growth campaigns through selling Loyalty cards, rewards and game-based incentives.