I have something to tell people who have been told they are "slow thinkers."
That "turtle-like slowness of thought" is actually a weapon.
We have been conditioned daily to believe that "fast thinkers = smart people." People who can answer immediately in meetings or give clever retorts in small talk are treated as the definition of "capable." But is that really true?
In fact, "wise people intentionally think slowly."
There is a concept called "Slow Thinking."
It means not jumping on the first idea that comes to mind. Consciously stopping the "snap judgments" that the brain unconsciously makes improves the quality of your thinking.
According to Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow, the human brain has roughly two modes of thought: one is "fast thinking" that moves intuitively and quickly, and the other is "slow thinking" that moves carefully and deliberately.
The fast mode is quick but prone to many errors. The slow mode takes time but allows for judgments closer to the essence of the matter.
The problem is that "slow thinking" is lazy; if left alone, "fast thinking" takes over. That is why it is crucial to think slowly consciously.
It is often said that "people who can make quick decisions are superior." However, as you observe work over a long period, you often hear that something else becomes clear. People who take a little time but grasp the essence of the problem are more trusted in the long run than those who give quick answers based on the atmosphere of the room. Even if their initial speed is slow, their final landing point is accurate.
Thinking has two dimensions: "speed" and "depth." Speed is the ability to react on the spot, while depth is the ability to see through the structure of a problem.
These two are different, and which one is more important depends on the situation. But one thing is for sure: "speed" is easy to notice, while "depth" is hard to see. That is why people with "depth" have been undervalued.
"Taking time to think" is not a flaw; it may be a sign that the brain is functioning properly. You are choosing depth over speed. You are pausing for a moment before falling into an error. It is actually evidence that you are "thinking properly."
If a "shortcut" exists in thinking, it lies within thinking slowly.
Rather than giving quick answers and making mistakes repeatedly, digging deep into a single question can ultimately lead to the essence faster.
This is what it means for turtle-style thinkingโthat is, "slow thinking"โto be a shortcut.
Reference Article
Strengthening the "Ability to See Structure" Not Often Taught in School
