On different thinking styles

Studies and hypotheses on how geography may affect human development have been around for quite some time. Particularly in the field of how our environment affects our thinking, however, there remains much to be explored and better understood. The article ‘How East and West think in profoundly different ways’ by David Robson of BBC Future succeeds in providing an overview of findings on different thinking styles, here exemplified by contrasting Eastern and Western cultures.

David Robson’s well-written article should not be interpreted as testimony to what sets human beings apart. Rather, it highlights important findings on present biases in psychological research and serves as a reminder that we need to be more aware that there is a multitude of different ways of “looking at things”. This realization, in turn, may help us better understand our own minds. To me, the (now obvious) existence of different cognitive styles presents yet another enriching opportunity for us and our cultures to learn and benefit from each other.

On a humorous note: If this article is not your cup of tea, you might still find delight in the endearing terminology used for western psychological subjects on whom many academic findings on human nature have been exclusively based: WEIRD – standing for western, educated, industrialized, rich and democratic.

Featured post image: Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash