Higher-Order thinking and how to achieve it?

What if the portion of your mind operating beneath conscious awareness exhibits strong similarities to the unconscious processes of countless other individuals? If the deeper layers of your thinking patterns match those found in the majority, the concepts and solutions you generate will typically resemble ordinary ideas that hold little power to break away from the conventional norms. In other words, they will likely not stand out as exceptionally uncommon or remarkable.

Intellectual advancement emerges when multiple distinct ideas converge within the mind, forming extraordinary insights that yield meaningful realizations and intuitive leaps, somewhat like combining various pigments to form unexpected hues. Such remarkable insights, arising from individuals who engage in higher-order thinking, have the potential to influence societal frameworks, business landscapes, cultural narratives, and scientific progress on a broad scale. Higher-level cognition is not an innate right or a simple byproduct of talent—it is instead a privilege obtained by those few who commit themselves to elevating the quality of their mental processes. These individuals have dedicated effort and time to shaping their mentality, increasing the richness and variety of the experiences stored within their minds, and thus distinguishing themselves from the majority.

4 Indicators of Advanced-Level Thinkers

1. Possessing a Unique Array of Experiences

A significant portion of your life’s mental operations occur below your conscious level. Each event, lesson, and bit of information you encounter settles into your subconscious, accumulating into a massive, complex structure composed of countless interwoven ideas, memories, and learned principles. When you require a new idea, your subconscious mind suggests possibilities to your conscious awareness. You then evaluate these suggestions, determining which path to pursue.

Now, reflect on the subconscious contents of your mind. If these deep-seated elements look much like the collective unconscious of everyone else, it follows that your ideas will align with the norm and appear quite ordinary. The complex, large-scale problems afflicting the world—whether in technology, economics, medicine, environmental policy, or social justice—demand mental dexterity. Such issues are unlikely to be solved by standard approaches. They need the refined mental capabilities of advanced-level thinkers. Why are these individuals different? It is straightforward: they possess a distinctive set of life experiences. This unique background shapes their subconscious into something special, enabling them to generate unconventional solutions beyond the abilities of ordinary thinkers.

This pattern suggests that a hallmark of being a creative thinker who operates on a higher plane is the desire to follow paths rarely chosen by others. For example, if you have read popular bestsellers, you still seek obscure, lesser-known books that others might never consider. You display the courage to watch films in languages you are not fluent in, favoring them over widely popular movies viewed by millions. You opt to travel to places rarely visited by mainstream tourists. In essence, advanced-level thinkers deliberately engage with unique and unfamiliar experiences, cultivating a mental landscape unlike any other. Do you find yourself displaying such tendencies?

2. Close Attention to New Ideas Rejected by the Majority

Historically, people tend to dismiss unfamiliar concepts. This may stem from skepticism, fear of change, or a general reluctance to invest time in evaluating something unproven. Consider several historical examples:

• When the internet first emerged, many dismissed its significance. Only a handful of visionaries, such as Jeff Bezos, believed in its potential. As a result, enterprises like Amazon achieved immense global standing.
• The film “The Big Short” provides a clear demonstration of how some of the most educated bankers and investors did not notice the imminent collapse of the housing market. Only a few observers, such as Dr. Michael Burry, detected the looming crisis.
• When digital currencies were initially introduced, most people doubted their value. Despite skepticism, cryptocurrency markets expanded at unprecedented speeds.

While the majority instinctively rejects such innovative ideas, advanced thinkers have the capacity to foresee underlying value. What enables them to accomplish this? Such individuals achieve a careful balance between being receptive to new concepts and maintaining a healthy level of scrutiny. They do not instantly dismiss unfamiliar solutions, but neither do they invest blindly. They avoid premature judgment, instead examining facts and attempting to understand a new concept’s core merits or shortcomings before forming a conclusion.

Ordinary thinkers, on the other hand, rarely appreciate fresh ideas because their minds are riddled with preconceived notions. Their mental filters block the search for truth, causing them to overlook possibilities that could matter in the future. Conversely, higher-order thinkers are open-minded yet skeptical in equal measure. This quality allows them to find truly valuable opportunities without wasting resources on every novelty. Thus, openness combined with disciplined skepticism helps identify which emerging concept is worth endorsing.

3. Forming Opinions After Examination Instead of Before

Consider the difference between prejudging and postjudging:

• Prejudice: Rigid opinions formed without verifying evidence.
• Postjudgment: Well-founded viewpoints developed after evaluating facts.

An average thinker holds strong opinions on almost every subject. Given that no one can possess perfect knowledge, these convictions often rely on unexamined assumptions rather than verified data. In contrast, advanced-level thinkers refrain from rushing into conclusions. When they do express an opinion, they have already assessed the available evidence thoroughly, transitioning from an initial state of uncertainty to a reasoned stance formed through thoughtful exploration of facts.

You will notice that advanced-level thinkers resist offering immediate judgments. They might openly acknowledge: “I am not entirely informed about this topic. I must research and think carefully before sharing my viewpoint.” This stance is something seldom heard from ordinary individuals, who often feel pressured to provide immediate answers, even when lacking proper understanding.

Additionally, while the average thinker becomes attached to personal beliefs—clinging to them even when evidence suggests they are incorrect—advanced-level thinkers remain secure enough in their identity to release outdated ideas. When new information exposes a flaw in their reasoning, they adjust their perspective accordingly, accepting reality without feeling humiliated. This intellectual flexibility stems from their inherent sense of security and comfort with not knowing everything, which reduces fear of admitting uncertainty.

Ordinary thinkers, by contrast, struggle to say “I don’t know” due to insecurity. They rush to form opinions to conceal ignorance and then stubbornly defend these stances. Advanced-level thinkers stand apart by exercising rational humility, understanding that relinquishing an incorrect assumption is part of genuine intellectual growth.

4. Curiosity as a Defining Trait

Advanced-level thinkers are highly curious. They ask numerous questions, driven by authentic interest rather than a desire to show off their knowledge. They keep their minds open and constantly seek to deepen their understanding. A brief but memorable quote encapsulates this point: “If your mouth is open, you’re not learning.”

Those who talk incessantly often lack substantial insight, rarely inquiring or probing deeper. Instead, they rely on unverified responses intended to impress others. In contrast, advanced-level thinkers focus on asking questions. Although this habit sounds simple, it is more challenging than it appears. There are two reasons why curiosity is difficult for many people:

First, posing a question requires admitting that you do not know something. This can be intimidating for those who refuse to acknowledge gaps in their knowledge. Many individuals prefer to preserve the illusion of knowing it all, rather than face the reality of their limitations.

Second, even if a person can privately admit ignorance, asking a question publicly announces that lack of knowledge to others. Some find this prospect unbearable, fearing embarrassment. Thus, seemingly easy questions become hard hurdles due to pride. But advanced-level thinkers transcend this fear. They realize that seeking answers and clarifying uncertainties is a skill that strengthens their intellectual foundation and problem-solving capabilities.

If you can honestly acknowledge your limited awareness and are comfortable asking thoughtful questions, you are likely operating as a higher-order thinker. Within this mindset, truly valuable insights arise—ideas capable of shifting existing patterns and inspiring meaningful progress in the world.

Guidance on Becoming a Higher-Order Thinker

• Develop a distinctive range of experiences. Engage in uncommon situations, read unusual materials, and observe diverse viewpoints that differ from mainstream norms.
• Evaluate ideas dismissed by the majority with balanced openness and skepticism. Do not reject concepts prematurely. Investigate their potential before arriving at a conclusion.
• Cultivate postjudgment rather than prejudice. Gather evidence, reflect, and then form your stance. Understand that there is no need to assert correctness without adequate basis.
• Ask many questions. Allow your curiosity to override pride. Recognize that inquiry leads to stronger understanding and contributes to your mental growth.

Each of these steps requires patience and commitment. By incorporating these approaches, you transition from ordinary patterns of thought to higher-level cognition. Over time, you refine your mental processes, ultimately increasing your capacity to identify better solutions and inspire meaningful improvements in various fields.