Thinking Differently

Ok, we’re going to get uber philosophical here for a moment. I mean a nerdy, geeky level of philosophical that might make your eyes roll up in the back of your head. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel was a philosopher and thinker born in Germany in the late 1700’s. He is most well-known for his Hegelian dialectical model (I linked to an article in case you really want to go full nerd): thesis, antithesis, synthesis. Andy, what the hell are you talking about? And what does this have anything to do with being human? So glad you asked!

Basically, his model follows this thinking: 1) Thesis is an idea or concept; 2) Antithesis is the opposite of that idea or concept; 3) Synthesis is a new idea or concept that is the result of resolving the conflict between the thesis and antithesis.

In the simplest terms, here’s a real-world example of this model at work.

• Joan wants pizza (Thesis).

•  Dave doesn’t want pizza and would prefer a salad (Antithesis).

• They go to a restaurant that serves both (Synthesis).

We use this model every day, whether we realize it or not — from simple endeavors (like the pizza example) to far more complex and complicated enadeavors (in economics, politics, business, etc.).

Hegelian dialectics is also the foundation for critical thinking and the generation of new ideas. It provides insight into how opposing forces interact and ultimately create new solutions that are amenable to all parties.

However, where the real power of this model shines is when we are deliberate in its use to fully understand opportunities and challenges in our own lives. It provides us clarity around our own preferences, insights into and understanding of opposing viewpoints, and levers that can be adjusted to reach a resolution or compromise. It empowers us to go into nearly any situation in a mindful way, open to different perspectives we may have never considered, and work respectfully toward a solution that benefits everyone (and a solution that is possibly better than either of the original perspectives). The beauty of this model is that it aims to unite us, not divide us.

So…do we need to know who Hegel is? Not really. Do we need to know the exact format and structure of the Hegelian model? Um…no. But it is useful to understand a “point, counterpoint, resolution” approach to life that will help us learn and grow as human beings. Without a doubt, it’s a powerful tool that fosters a growth mindset within us.

Until next week.

Cheers,

Andy

(All written content created the old-fashioned way.)