Last Updated on October 4, 2023 by Editorial Team
Alex Carrel, a French scientist, once said: “Those who desire to rise as high as our human condition allows must renounce intellectual pride, the omnipotence of clear thinking, and belief in the absolute power of logic.”
So, What makes humans believe they are logical? Is it something preexisting or something learned? Do you consider yourself a logical thinker with this power? Basically, humans have the ability to reason in order to make any decision. For humans to make judgments or choices in order to critically analyze a situation or problems around us and make an informed decision, logical thinking becomes essential. This is a natural process in humans; some have high reasoning skills, some don’t, but it can be improved.
In this blog, we will talk about the unique characteristics logical thinkers possess and what makes them unique. This article shares the distinctive qualities logical thinker has in their personality.
Logical thinking characteristics that all thinkers possess
We as human beings are known as rational and logical creatures, unlike animals. The most significant thing in a human being’s life is using logic to solve problems. Here are some characteristics every logical thinker possesses in their behavior!
1. They are attentive and mindful
Logical thinkers are not only problem solvers, but they are also attentive and observant of their surroundings. Just as Michael C. Lerncy stated in his book Being Logical: A Guide to Good Thinking, people make half of their mistakes because they don’t pay sufficient attention to their surroundings. Being aware and present at the moment allows us to retain useful information and make useful arguments when required.
2. A logical thinker acknowledges their wrongdoing
A logical person has the intellectual behavior to admit and correct their mistakes. They recognize and admit when they have done something wrong and try to correct it. This also demonstrates the intellectual and emotional maturity they have gained as they have grown as a person.
3. Always a learner and discoverer
Logical people strive to be knowledgeable and competitive. They make a constant effort to learn new things and find ways to learn about a variety of subjects and scenarios by asking numerous questions and expanding their horizons. They are therefore more capable of solving both uncomplicated and challenging situations intellectually.
4. They are skilled communicators; their words resonate with their thoughts well
Logical thinkers believe in facts and knowledge. Their words resonate with the idea they want to share, not just imagination, the idea that reality is reality. For logical thinkers, Objectivity is a better choice than subjective choices. Their thoughts and ideas are expressed clearly in order for others to understand their veracity, including facts and figures. In other words, logical thinkers say what they think without sugarcoating or exaggerating but stating the truth.
5. They are practical and objective
A logical thinker is aware of which of his beliefs are founded on facts that are real. Their theories need to be constantly reinforced by evidence in order to remain valid. They challenge themselves to find the perfect term to express an idea that they don’t fully understand as being practical. They look for facts and figures in research or proven instances that they saw with their own eyes.
6. They are organized and have pre-planned everything
Since their minds are constantly busy with something, logical minds tend to overthink and put things off. But they do an analysis of the environment to comprehend the advantages and disadvantages, perceive issues clearly, and make timely, precise plans. For example, when planning a trip, a logical thinker would consider the when, where, and how of the trip before booking it.
7. Procrastination is natural, but they never over-analyze facts.
It is understandable that individuals would put off doing something with all of the cognition taking place in their minds. Logical minds take their time and learn as much as they can before making a decision. They delay a task occasionally because they have too much knowledge.
They delay since the excesses can make them feel uneasy and overburdened. Decisions could be made using information that was forced to fit due to over-analysis. By evaluating the big picture and the material in front of them, people can determine when they have enough information. Then, in order to avoid overthinking it, they surrender and explore for answers.
8. They tend to avoid emotional biases
Emotional biases usually result from thinking that has been affected by feelings and is driven by instinct or intuition. But a logical thinker believes in objectivity, and in facts and figures. Their thoughts and ideas do not compensate for the emotions they are having about it. The logical person believes what they know to be true based on their knowledge and experience; feelings or emotions do not influence their decisions or prevent them from making the best choice in a given situation.
9. They value science over intuition
As logic is built on the accumulation of knowledge a person gains through experience and academics, A logical thinker puts science above his own beliefs, as it’s based on finding truth and facts through systematic study. In real life, they prefer science to their beliefs and intuition when reaching a decision in any situation.
10. They believe in making rational decisions
You heard right! A logical person is also rational. A logical person follows rational decision-making; they make use of their logic and objective knowledge. It entails recognizing the issue that has to be resolved, collecting data, locating options and outcomes, analyzing them, taking into account all the interconnections, and making a decision. For example, While buying a product a logical thinker goes through all the requirements, and its pros and cons before purchasing it.
A few habits to enhance logical thinking
Can we teach ourselves to be logical thinkers? Yes. The ability to reason logically is something that can be learned and honed. Simply learning to pay closer attention to details will improve your ability to reason logically. Therefore, there are a few simple methods that might assist you in overcoming mental hurdles and concentrating fully.
1. Practice mindfulness
Being mindful means becoming proactive and present in your environment. Practicing mindfulness, such as by improving your concentration, will help you study yourself and your environment. Mindfulness[1] also involves meditation and relaxing the body, as many times our logical thinking is affected by our stress and stressors. Learn to practice the four pillars of mindfulness: patience, acceptance, non-judgment, and attentiveness. All these skills lead to logical reasoning in a person.
2. Increase curiosity
Be an explorer to explore the unknown. Asking questions about concepts you ordinarily take for granted can help you develop your capacity for logical reasoning. Logical thinkers aim toward logic since it will assist them in discovering the realities of any circumstance. They keep looking for solutions until all the puzzle pieces are in place and make sense. They won’t accept the truth until it is backed up by convincing evidence.
You can approach issues more logically and creatively by regularly asking questions to gain a more complete perspective. Asking questions can frequently result in learning about subjects you had not previously considered, which may inspire you to do more research.
3. Develop new skills and abilities
According to researchers, fluid intelligence[2], such as logical thinking, develops with learning new skills. It takes a lot of logical reasoning to learn new skills. You utilize reasoning and strategy to learn new abilities by coming up with plans of action that assist you in learning to complete difficult tasks.
To sharpen your logical thinking abilities, try engaging in physical activities that involve complex tasks. Developing new talents can also aid in improving reasoning abilities. If you seize the chance to learn as frequently as you can, you’ll bring the same degree of reasoning to your work, which will make you successful.
Conclusion
Attaining logical thinking does not occur overnight; it takes a lot of practice and cohesion to change behavior. At the same time, people with learning disabilities like dyscalculia can also be masters at thinking logically with the help of some aids and helpful tools.
Some people may have logical thinking as one of their traits, but behaviors and skills can always be learned by changing habits, learning skills, and being consistent. Logical reasoning especially proves advantageous for mathematicians as reasoning skills help intensely with math and their further expertise.
References
- (2016). Does Mindfulness Enhance Critical Thinking? Evidence for the Mediating Effects of Executive Functioning in the Relationship between Mindfulness and Critical Thinking. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.02043/full
- Zaval, L. (n.d.). Complementary Contributions of Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence to Decision Making Across the Life Span.
Dr. Deepak Kansal, MBBS MD (Psychiatry) is currently working as Nodal Officer of the District Mental Health program at Civil Hospital Sangrur for the last 3 years. Apart from psychiatry and substance use patients, Dr. Deepak also treats children with neurodevelopment disorders including Intellectual disability, specific learning disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and other psychiatric disorders. His research work involved studying psychiatric comorbidities in cancer patients. You can follow him on Linkedin