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An Overview of ThisIsNotThat Principles
What if we could generalize the "best practices" to be learned from what the most effective:
- doctors do when they diagnose a patient's symptoms?
- attorneys do when they cross-examine a witness to uncover the facts?
- scientists do in their laboratories when they experiment?
- police detectives do when they gather evidence at a crime scene?
- engineers do when they must design solutions to new problems?
- journalists do when they report a story?
- artists, writers, and composers do when they express their creativity?
- We would increase our understanding and awareness of the role of language and symbols play in our verbal and non-verbal behaviors.
- We would limit the undesirable behaviors we are prone to exhibit, such as:
- jumping to conclusions
- holding unrealistic expectations
- not recognizing the hidden assumptions and premises upon which we unknowingly act
- making broad generalizations and promoting stereotypes
- confusing our own inferences, opinions and beliefs as facts or 'truths'
- resisting change or failing to adapt to change
- engaging in and perpetuating language habits that are more medieval than modern
- responding to labels and categories rather than specific individuals and events
- feeling 'victimized' by those who push our buttons, condition our wants, and propagandize our political sensibilities
- We would increase those productive behaviors such as:
- thinking-feeling-acting in the here-and-now, moment-to-moments of daily living rather than re-living the past or dreading the future
- appreciating and promoting individuality and diversity
- thinking, speaking, and listening more deliberately, critically, and productively
- more effectively solving problems, resolving conflicts, and maintaining relationships
- integrating and building upon all our sources of knowledge, and sharing that knowledge (in other words, "time-binding")
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