Descartes once famously declared, "Cogito, ergo sum," or in English, "I think, therefore I am."

This simple yet profound statement has echoed through the corridors of philosophy for centuries, sparking debates, contemplations, and reflections on the essence of existence.

So, what does it mean, and why does it matter?

First and foremost, "I think" implies the act of conscious thought. It encompasses all forms of mental activity, from pondering the mysteries of the universe to deciding what to have for breakfast.

It is the quintessence of our consciousness, the very thing that makes us aware of ourselves and the world around us.

But why is thinking so significant?

Well, it's not just about pondering the meaning of life or contemplating abstract concepts. Thinking is the very foundation of our existence. It's what separates us from mere automatons or rocks.

It's the spark that ignites our curiosity, drives our creativity, and propels us forward on the journey of self-discovery.

We can illustrate this with a few examples.

Imagine you're standing at a crossroads of ideas, and you've got three paths ahead: one marked "Lateral Thinking," another "Divergent Thinking," and the last one "Convergent Thinking."

Each route offers a different journey through the landscape of the mind, representing the various ways we think:

1. Convergent Thinking

Picture this as a funnel, where you're narrowing down options to find the single best solution.

It's like a detective solving a case, systematically eliminating suspects until only the culprit remains. Convergent thinking is all about logic, order, and finding that one correct answer.

Think about a math problem—when solving for x, you use convergent thinking. There's only one correct answer, and you're following a linear path to get there. It's structured, methodical, and precise.

2. Divergent Thinking

This approach is more like a fireworks display, with ideas bursting forth in all directions. Instead of narrowing down, you're expanding your options, exploring multiple possibilities, like a brainstorming session where every idea is welcome.

Imagine you're faced with the challenge of designing a new product.

Divergent thinking encourages you to generate as many ideas as possible, no matter how unconventional they may seem. It's about breaking free from the constraints of conventional wisdom and exploring the uncharted territory of creativity.

3. Lateral Thinking

Picture yourself taking a sideways leap, bypassing traditional pathways to arrive at unexpected solutions.

Lateral thinking is about making unconventional connections, looking at a problem from a different angle, like a detective solving a case by noticing a seemingly insignificant detail everyone else overlooked.

Consider a situation where you're stuck in traffic, trying to get to an important meeting. Instead of resigning yourself to frustration, you might employ lateral thinking and find a creative solution—like taking a detour through a scenic route or using a navigation app to find alternative paths.

So, convergent thinking is like a laser beam, focused and precise, while divergent thinking is like a fireworks display, expansive and exploratory.

Conversely, lateral thinking is like a sideways leap, breaking through mental barriers to discover unexpected solutions.

In terms of effectiveness, convergent thinking is excellent for solving problems with clear right or wrong answers, like mathematical equations or scientific puzzles.

It's like following a map with a clearly marked destination.

Divergent thinking shines when tackling complex problems requiring creativity and innovation, like designing a new product or brainstorming marketing strategies.

It's about exploring vast possibilities without being limited by preconceived notions or constraints.

Lateral thinking comes into play when you encounter obstacles or roadblocks in your thinking. It's like finding a hidden door in a maze, opening up new pathways to reach your goal. Lateral thinking encourages you to question assumptions, challenge conventions, and think outside the box.

In essence, each approach has its strengths and weaknesses; the key is knowing when to employ each.

But what about the second part of Descartes's quote: "Therefore I am"?

It implies existence.

Descartes argued that the very act of thinking proves one's existence. But why? Because to think, one must exist in some form.

Even if all else is an illusion, the fact that we are capable of thought is undeniable evidence of our existence.

Think about it (pun intended): if you weren't here, if you didn't exist in some capacity, then who or what is thinking? It's a bit of a mind-bender.

Now, some might argue that Descartes was being a bit presumptuous with his declaration.

After all, can we be sure of anything?

What if our thoughts are just illusions, figments of our imagination? What if we're all just brains in a vat, being fed false sensory information by some malevolent demon?

These are valid questions and ones that philosophers have grappled with for centuries.

But even in the face of such scepticism, Descartes' assertion remains compelling. For even if our reality is uncertain, the very act of questioning and doubting presupposes the existence of a doubter.

And that, my friends, is where the magic lies.

But let's not get too bogged down in the metaphysical weeds. Let's bring it back to earth, shall we?

"I think therefore I am" has practical implications as well.

It's not just a lofty philosophical concept; it's a mantra for living a fulfilling life. It reminds us of the power of our thoughts and the importance of self-awareness and introspection.

By acknowledging the connection between thinking and being, we empower ourselves to take control of our lives.

We realize that our thoughts shape our reality and that we can choose our beliefs and perceptions. And with that realization comes the freedom to live authentically, to pursue our passions, and to create the life we desire.

"But with great power comes great responsibility", as the saying goes.

The flip side of "I think therefore I am" is that our thoughts can also imprison us.

Negative thought patterns, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs can trap us in a cycle of suffering and discontent.

That's why cultivating a positive and empowered mindset is crucial.

It's not about ignoring reality or pretending everything is sunshine and rainbows. It's about recognizing the power of our thoughts to shape our experience of reality and focusing on thoughts that uplift and inspire us.

So, how can we put this concept into practice in our everyday lives?

It starts with awareness. Pay attention to your thoughts. Notice when you're engaging in self-defeating patterns or dwelling on negativity. Then, consciously choose to shift your focus to more empowering thoughts.

It's not always easy, I'll admit.

Our brains are wired to seek out threats and dwell on the negative. But with practice, we can rewire our brains for positivity and resilience. And as we do, we'll find that our life experience transforms remarkably.

So, until next time, if you find yourself lost in thought, remember: you are because you think.

Dion Le Roux