DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

Thinking is one of humanity’s most extraordinary capabilities. It allows us to analyze, reflect, reason, and solve complex problems. However, despite its transformative power, deep and critical thinking is inherently difficult. It demands mental effort, self-awareness, patience, and a willingness to challenge preconceived notions. For many, this level of engagement is daunting, and instead, they resort to judgment—a quicker, easier alternative that requires far less cognitive effort.

This essay explores why thinking is difficult, why judgment becomes the default for many, and how fostering a culture of thoughtful reflection can enrich both individuals and society. By understanding the challenges of thinking and the consequences of hasty judgment, we can strive toward a more thoughtful and empathetic way of interacting with the world.

The Nature of Thinking: Why It’s Difficult

1. Mental Effort and Cognitive Load
   Thinking, especially critical and analytical thinking, requires significant mental energy. It involves gathering information, evaluating evidence, questioning assumptions, and synthesizing complex ideas. This level of engagement taxes our cognitive resources and can be mentally exhausting. Psychologists have identified a principle called «cognitive load,» which refers to the mental effort required to process information. When faced with complex or unfamiliar situations, people often seek shortcuts to conserve mental energy. Judgment provides a convenient way to simplify complex realities without engaging in deep thinking.
2. Emotional Discomfort
   Thinking critically often requires confronting uncomfortable truths, questioning deeply held beliefs, or acknowledging uncertainty. This can trigger cognitive dissonance—a psychological state of discomfort that arises when our beliefs or actions are challenged. Many people avoid this discomfort by clinging to simplistic judgments that reinforce their existing worldview.
3. The Time Factor
   In a fast-paced world, people often feel pressured to make quick decisions and form opinions without adequate reflection. Thinking takes time, and in the rush to act or respond, many bypass the reflective process altogether. Judgment, by contrast, is instantaneous, providing immediate (though often shallow) conclusions.
4. The Influence of Bias
   Human cognition is riddled with biases—mental shortcuts that help us navigate the world but can also distort our thinking. Confirmation bias, for instance, leads people to seek out information that supports their pre-existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence. Overcoming these biases requires conscious effort, which makes true critical thinking even more challenging.

Judgment as the Easier Alternative

Judgment serves as a shortcut for thinking. It allows people to form opinions quickly, often based on incomplete or superficial information. While this approach may feel satisfying in the moment, it frequently leads to oversimplifications, misunderstandings, and even harm.

1. Judgment Provides Certainty
   Humans have an innate desire for certainty and closure. Judgment satisfies this need by offering a definitive stance, even if it is not well-informed. In contrast, thinking often leads to ambiguity and complexity, which can be uncomfortable to navigate.
2. Social Validation
   Judgment is often reinforced by social dynamics. Quick opinions or judgments—whether about people, events, or ideas—can align with group norms or societal expectations, earning approval or validation from others. Deep thinking, on the other hand, may lead to unpopular conclusions or challenge the status quo, which can isolate individuals.
3. The Appeal of Emotional Simplicity
   Judgment is often fueled by emotional responses such as anger, fear, or prejudice. These emotions provide an immediate, visceral reaction that feels satisfying and requires little effort to justify. Thinking, in contrast, demands emotional regulation and the ability to set aside personal biases.
4. The Illusion of Superiority
   Judgment can create a sense of superiority, as it often involves placing oneself above others. By judging someone’s choices, appearance, or behavior, individuals may feel validated in their own position without reflecting on the complexity of the situation. This type of comparison is far easier than engaging in empathy or understanding.

The Consequences of Judgment Without Thinking

When people prioritize judgment over thinking, it can lead to a range of negative outcomes, both personally and societally.

1. Misunderstandings and Conflicts
   Judgments formed without sufficient thought often rely on stereotypes, assumptions, or incomplete information. This leads to misunderstandings and, in many cases, unnecessary conflicts. Whether in personal relationships or societal debates, judgment without reflection hinders meaningful communication and collaboration.
2. Erosion of Empathy
   Judgment tends to dehumanize others by reducing them to simplistic labels or categories. This diminishes empathy, as individuals fail to consider the complexities of another person’s experiences, motivations, or struggles. Over time, a judgmental mindset fosters division and alienation.
3. Missed Opportunities for Growth
   Thinking critically allows individuals to learn, adapt, and grow. By avoiding this process in favor of quick judgments, people miss opportunities to expand their understanding, challenge their biases, and gain new perspectives. This stagnation limits personal and intellectual development.
4. Polarization and Division
   On a societal level, the prevalence of judgment over thinking contributes to polarization. In politics, media, and social discourse, people often cling to simplistic narratives or “us vs. them” mentalities rather than engaging in nuanced discussions. This lack of thoughtful dialogue deepens divides and hinders progress.

The Path Toward Thoughtful Reflection

If judgment is the easier path, how can we encourage ourselves and others to embrace the more challenging—but ultimately rewarding—process of thinking? The following strategies can help foster a culture of thoughtful reflection:

1. Cultivate Curiosity
   Curiosity is the antidote to judgment. By approaching situations and people with genuine curiosity, individuals are more likely to ask questions, seek understanding, and engage in thoughtful analysis. A curious mindset opens the door to learning and connection.
2. Practice Patience
   Thinking takes time, and in a world driven by immediacy, patience is a vital skill. Allowing oneself the time to gather information, reflect, and consider multiple perspectives leads to more informed and balanced decisions.
3. Develop Emotional Intelligence
   Emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—is essential for balancing thinking and judgment. By regulating emotional impulses, individuals can approach situations with greater clarity and empathy.
4. Embrace Complexity
   The world is rarely black and white, and wise thinkers learn to embrace complexity. This involves acknowledging uncertainty, tolerating ambiguity, and recognizing that most issues have multiple facets. Embracing complexity fosters deeper understanding and reduces the tendency to judge prematurely.
5. Challenge Cognitive Biases
   Recognizing and addressing biases is a critical aspect of thinking. Individuals can actively seek out diverse perspectives, question their assumptions, and reflect on how their beliefs are shaped by cultural or personal influences.
6. Encourage Open Dialogue
   Thoughtful reflection flourishes in environments that encourage open dialogue. Creating spaces where people can discuss ideas, ask questions, and share differing viewpoints without fear of judgment fosters a culture of intellectual growth and empathy.
7. Lead by Example
   Individuals who model thoughtful reflection inspire others to do the same. By demonstrating a commitment to understanding rather than judging, they create a ripple effect that encourages deeper thinking within their communities.

The Rewards of Thinking

While thinking is difficult, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Thoughtful reflection leads to personal growth, stronger relationships, and a more harmonious society. It fosters empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the richness of human experience.

1. Personal Fulfillment
   Engaging in deep thinking allows individuals to live more authentically and intentionally. It cultivates self-awareness and aligns actions with values, leading to a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
2. Meaningful Connections
   Thoughtful reflection enhances relationships by promoting understanding and empathy. When individuals approach others with an open mind and a willingness to learn, they build stronger, more meaningful connections.
3. Collective Progress
   On a societal level, thinking is essential for addressing complex challenges and creating positive change. By prioritizing thoughtful dialogue over judgment, communities can collaborate to find innovative solutions and bridge divides.

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“Thinking is difficult, that’s why most people judge.”

This profound observation highlights the human tendency to avoid the mental effort of critical thinking in favor of quick, superficial judgments. While thinking requires patience, effort, and courage, it is the foundation of personal growth, meaningful connection, and societal progress. By embracing the challenge of thinking, we can transcend the limitations of judgment and move toward a more thoughtful, compassionate world. In doing so, we honor the complexity of human experience and unlock the transformative potential of our minds.