Paul and Elder (2005)

The Elements of Thought -

A thought requires one to analyze and evaluate something. I strongly agree with Paul and Elder on this part of book because it applies heavily to my life. It can range from a sentence out of a poem or a game of chess. Some of the elements of thought are assumptions, consequences, information, and purpose. Those elements of thought are always used by great chess players in order to outstrategize the opposition onto victory lane. Information is taken in by a chess player when another opponent makes a move. The move's purpose is then analyzed by the chess player to find out what the move generates... either defense or offense. Then the smart chess player would assume what the consequences will be trying to avoid or kill the piece, whether the risk is worthwhile or not. Wow, isn't it interesting I already explained some elements of thought by just using a game of chess as an example. Our process of thought is important and without it we wouldn't be able to truly function. Also, it's really fascinating for me to know that everyone has a different point of view on everything, big or small. It's practically impossible to find two people that have the same point of views on everything because we all think differently. For instance, when fans found out that Michael Vick was officially reinstated by the National Football League to play again, some went berserk and some didn't care. Everyone has their own side to the story, some people could have pets and to see such an unethical thing that could happen to their dogs too... Seeing Vick back in normal life and making more money than they could dream to even make in their whole life; is that fair? However, other people may say, he has served two years in jail and has paid enough for his crimes. Point of views is really something that we all have and is important for society. If a country has no point of views, it's a communist one. Ah, my favorite part, people do love to assume things. When a tattooed pierced punk walks by you, you automically assume he's a criminal... It's pathetic but also true, assumptions are all part of us and we assume everyday about little things all the time. I find this interesting because I often see the quote, "Don't judge books by their cover", I often ponder if we followed this quote word by word, would we hang with different people and treat people differently? We all should use the process of elements of thought because with the process of it, we would become a better person in the long run. There are so many elements to a thought and without a thought, we would be robots walking around.