Abstract thinkers are interested in the deeper meaning of things and the bigger picture. Is your abstract thinking above average?
Perhaps the easiest way to explain abstract thinking is to compare it with its opposite – concrete reasoning. Concrete thinkers are more comfortable with what exists right now. They like things that are clear and tangible and that they can hold in their hands.
Concrete thinkers like to follow instructions and have detailed plans. They hate anything that is fuzzy or ambiguous. They do not usually ‘read between the lines’.
A concrete thinker will probably like lists and spreadsheets, but they are not always great at being spontaneous and ‘going with the flow’.
Conversely, abstract thinkers think about how everything relates to the bigger picture. They are always looking for the deeper meaning or the underlying patterns in things. Abstract thinkers want to understand how everything relates to everything else.
They are very curious and love to work with complex ideas. They may enjoy subjects that use a high degree of abstract thought, which includes subjects as varied as astrophysics and poetry.
Abstract thinking is closely linked to symbolic thinking. Much of our society and culture relies on being able to use symbols to express ideas.
For example, the Statue of Liberty is not just a statue, it is a symbol of freedom. Even language itself is abstract, as we use words as symbols for objects, ideas and emotions.
Of course, most of us use a mixture of concrete and abstract reasoning at different times and in different situations. No one could get through life relying on only one way of thinking.
Everyone needs to use abstract thought in order to make plans for the future, understand complex ideas or park our car. We also all need to use our concrete thinking to do the more practical tasks in life like checking if we need milk.
However, for most people, one type of thinking dominates. This will be the type of thinking they feel most comfortable and happy using, while using the opposite type of thinking may be more of a struggle.
Everyone uses abstract thinking at times. When you were a child, you counted on your fingers. Now you don’t need your fingers because you understand the abstract idea that numbers represent the amount of whatever it is you’re thinking about.
Having said that, this type of thinking comes more easily to some people. These types have abstraction as their dominant thinking strategy.
Businesses and colleges often test this way of thinking, so it is wise to sharpen yours if it does not come naturally to you.
If you want to improve your abstract thinking, there are books of exercises you can try. Developing your math skills can also help as math is an abstract way of thinking. Trying to find patterns in statistical data can also increase your ability in this area.
Learning about subjects that it is not possible to understand in a concrete way is another way to develop your abstract thinking. Subjects such as quantum mechanics and astrophysics require us to think in an abstract way.
Working on building your ability to use metaphor and analogy can also develop this way of thinking. Reading and writing poetry can be a good place to start. Visiting a gallery that features modern art can help you to develop a more symbolic way of thinking, too.
Overall, having a balance of thinking skills can help you be ready for all kinds of situations, so this is a skill worth developing.
Are you an abstract thinker? How do you think it helps you in life to think this way?
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...this is scarily accurate. Thank you!
Continued...
Oopps, I accidentally posted my comment when clearly I hadn't finished it. I'm super nervous and excited, I've only been doing art for a year and its funny cause I never did any kind of art in my life not even as a hobby let alone making a small business from doing it. I was run over by a drunk driver when i was 21 yrs old and I've never been the same since. Not only was it extremely hard to deal with the physical, and emotional pain and then all the up's, down's and marry-go-round's of depression and severe anxiety but also coming to realize I need to figure out what I want to do for a career all over again. One day my boyfriend says to me "Ashley, you dont get paid to just sit around and look pretty. So enough is enough quit thinking and just DO!" from there on it must of meant to be because for the life of me I still cant remember how and I started into the whole painting thing and that was only a year ago... Life is beautiful, crazy, amazing, scary, intense, and complex yet simple. If you show her love, she will love you right back and even stronger.
Ashleysart1.net will be ready in a week or two, hope to see you there!
~INFINITE LOVE & GRATITUDE TO ALL~
Abstract thinkers are our own home entertainment center, because we think about how to think in possibilities, innovation and imagination.
I can zone off into my own world , and especially do this when I might have to face a boring task.
I don't relate to concrete thinkers and wonder why they need so much distraction or they become bored.
Thinking means you're never alone.
Thanks a million times. I thought I had problems with the way I think but I can that I am just different.
Thanks for this article on abstract thinking. I looked this up after seeing a program on PBS about Neanderthals and how they were creative in tool making ( Abstract thinking) i became curious and looked it up and realized I am an abstract thinker I believe being dyslexic when young in school, i adapted to learn in an abstract Style. Thank you very much your article
Blessings from the U.S.
Ken Thornton
Do you have attention deficit (hyperactive) disorder or ADHD? How was it that you overcame your dyslexia and how did it present itself. My dislexia was so bad you could read it in the mirror which I've found out to be not that common, whole sentences written backwards was apparently pretty serious case of dyslexia. I was also diagnosed with ADHD at 6. The school told my parents if he was not put on medication he'll have to attend a special needs school because I was so disruptive to other students. The other reason being I just wasn't learning, i couldn't concentrate long enough to learn the basics, no amount of discipline would improve my focus, and my parents and teachers were very strict, so no one can blame
them.
So I started taking ritalin after kindergarten, and moved to a new school to repeat the first year because I hadn't learned anything. I also remember having this amazing lady work with me one on one reading kids books with upside down letters which cured my dislexia (I'm skeptical about the the real catalyst and how much was cured by time, medication, or upside down book lady or mixture of a few)
In less than a 2 weeks I had the highest grades in my year, I won multiple spelling bees (also study linguistics, "take that dyslexia!") I even got voted school captain in my final year of primary school , and excelled at all my subjects. People always talk about whether you're a maths or a English guy but I felt I was both equally, for different reasons. Science was my favourite but unfortunately I had some bad science teachers and therefore cared less, like ok, youre a nice guy, you're eccentric and jovial , and you love telling stories but I've heard this same story 10 times and no one says anything because no one wants to be that guy who cancels the free periods but what made me crack was that after 10 months of being his student, he still couldn't remember my name. I couldn't help it, my anger took over and basically told him he can't teach for shit and that no one's cares about watching your diving video for the 100th time. I stormed out of the class room with my legs shaking and regret of what have I done? I absolutely broke that man, he came out really upset and I could see tears starting to well,, as he passionately made his case that he does it for the kids. I could see and hear the passion in his voice.. I was expecting him to send to the principal's office and never look or talk to me again (which wouldnt have been any difference) but he instead pleaded with me about how much he cares about his students and only wants them to have fun. The desperation in his voice really got to me and I always felt so bad about questioning his livelihood. The next class we had he walked in and didn't say a word, didn't crack a smile. I thought nothing of it at the time until he started writing on the black board (had never seen him do it) ... He's doing this because o what I said!? I couldn't believe it, he was trying so hard to be a good teacher he basically just did the opposite of what he usually did. It was painful to watch because I knew what I said had basically made him depressed. The good thing is that he had a bad memory and eventually forgot all about it and went back to talking about all the awesome places he's been scuba diving. I didn't care if he didn't know my name, I was just glad he was happy again.