How Do Gifted People Think?

Gifted individuals have often been misunderstood for having unique thinking patterns. However, research and numerous observations reveal that they don't possess any fundamentally different ways of thinking than other people. What sets them apart is often their exceptional analytical and logical abilities, and a faster ability to process and synthesize important information. This means they can often reach conclusions more swiftly because they have the cognitive capacity to discern relevant details with greater speed.

Incremental Logic and Extraposition

Data and logic underpin much of the decision-making process for gifted individuals. They think incrementally, following a step-by-step approach which often involves the formulation of predictions based on a combination of known factors and yet-to-be-verified hypotheses. Incremental thinking enables them to systematically factor in potential outcomes and the interconnections between various events or decisions. For instance, consider a hypothetical scenario where a person is evaluating their chances of being seen at a party they are attending without informing their spouse:

If I go to the ex-girlfriend's party without telling my wife, the probability that a person who is an acquaintance of my wife will see me is 10. Given that this acquaintance will report with glee, the additional danger increases to 80, or 100 if I lie about it. Taking the current risk of divorce to be 5, the overall risk is quantitatively assessed to be 99 of experiencing ruin, with only a 1% chance of having a good time. This vivid example illustrates the complex calculations that gifted individuals may use to make decisions.

Complex and Nuanced Decision-Making

Indeed, very intelligent people think in complex and nuanced ways, often considering multiple perspectives and potential outcomes before arriving at a decision. They may analyze a situation by validating different hypotheses and using guesstimations to predict unknowns. For example, a statement from the film Dirty Harry provides an excellent case study of decision-making under uncertainty:

айн has just fired five shots and is unsure if one more round remains in the revolver. He must evaluate the situation: is he lying, or is he bluffing? The likelihood of each scenario is assessed as 50-50, illustrating the strategic and cautious nature of their decision-making.

Gifted individuals might also engage in what appears to be overthinking of trivial matters. For instance, they might spend considerable time pondering the fate of their keys, a task that would be second nature to others. This can sometimes stem from a desire for precision and thoroughness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while gifted people do have advanced analytical and logical abilities, their thinking processes are rooted in a structured, methodical framework. They evaluate situations with a comprehensive approach, considering multiple angles and potential consequences. Whether it is the complex logic of predicting outcomes or the nuanced balance of risks, gifted individuals are keen observers and strategic thinkers. Understanding this can help others appreciate the complexity of their decision-making while also providing insights into their methodical and meticulous nature.