Discussion of these 10 specific subjects implies a high degree of intellectual engagement

High-level thinkers are individuals who are intrigued by the intricacies of life, delving into mental models, cognitive biases, and the complexities of the world around us. They are fascinated by the emergence of complexity from simple rules, and how complex systems can exhibit properties that their individual parts do not possess.

These thinkers often discuss epistemology, the study of knowledge and how we know what we know, without using the word. They are curious about the ripple effects of decisions, not just focusing on what will work, but what will that lead to, and what will that lead to.

To cultivate high-level thinking, one should pay attention to these topics, read about systems thinking, study cognitive biases, and practice looking for connections between seemingly unrelated things. High-level thinkers are also known for considering second and third-order consequences, thinking about the effects of actions beyond immediate outcomes.

Paradoxes and contradictions are intriguing to high-level thinkers, who appreciate the ways that something can be both true and false depending on context. They understand the role of context and environment in shaping decisions and outcomes, recognising that environment plays a significant role in behaviour more than we'd like to admit.

High-level thinkers are also interested in the impact of incentive structures on human behaviour, discussing how reward systems shape behaviour and create unintended consequences. They are comfortable with uncertainty and nuance, discussing the nature of knowledge and certainty, and the difference between correlation and causation.

Lachlan Brown, the author of the article discussing the characteristics of high-level thinkers, published his work in 2020 on the website "Becoming Who You Are." In the article, he highlights ten topics that likely signal gifted thinking, including the recognition of patterns, the understanding of cognitive biases, and the appreciation for paradoxes.

Cultivating high-level thinking is not about being smarter than everyone else, but about being curious about complexity, comfortable with uncertainty, and interested in understanding the deeper patterns that shape our world. Conversations with high-level thinkers are more likely to change how you see the world, as they often discuss systems thinking, interconnectedness, and the long-term effects of decisions.

In a world that is increasingly complex and uncertain, high-level thinkers offer a unique perspective, helping us to navigate the intricacies of life and make sense of the world around us.

Discussion of these 10 specific subjects implies a high degree of intellectual engagement