Think Before You Speak and Read Before You Think →

Please save your words until you give them some thought. Thoughts are ideas, beliefs, and perceptions in our minds, while words are the verbal or written expressions of those thoughts.

Empower yourself by making the conscious choice to read before you think and speak. This simple act consistently enhances our cognitive processes, exercising our brains and sharpening our critical thinking and analytical skills. Your words become a powerful tool to underline and reinforce your thoughts, giving you a sense of control over your cognitive processes.

Another reason to read before you think is that the brain may still need to register or process your reading with some deliberate focus. This strategy, often referred to as 'reading before you believe', is a practice that makes sense and holds significant benefits. It involves reading and understanding a concept or idea before accepting it as true, thereby enhancing your brain's ability to register and process information, and improving critical thinking skills.

Engaging in focused reading is not just a prerequisite for critical thinking but a powerful catalyst that compels you to approach information from various perspectives, leverage your existing knowledge, challenge facts, spot issues, propose remedies, establish links between the text and the real world, and substantiate your viewpoints with tangible examples. In essence, it's a comprehensive workout for your cognitive muscles, much like how physical exercise strengthens and tones your body. It is not merely a prerequisite for critical thinking but a dynamic process that compels you to approach information from various perspectives, challenge facts, and establish links between the text and the real world. It’s a comprehensive workout for your cognitive muscles, with you as the active participant.

Is reading a form of thinking or just an aid to comprehension? The answer lies in the understanding that reading is not just a passive act of comprehension but an active process that stimulates and enhances thinking. Reading comprehension is about understanding what has been read and engaging with the text, making you an integral and active part of the process.

Reading and writing are not just activities; they are powerful tools that can help you improve your analytical thinking. By exposing you to various perspectives and analysis methods, they broaden your intellectual horizons and enhance your ability to critically evaluate information. They are resources of significant importance, enhancing your thinking abilities and broadening your intellectual horizons. By appreciating these tools, you can maximize their potential for your cognitive development.

Speaking is declarative. It solidifies thoughts. When one’s thoughts are out for all to hear, the speaker is best served if the audience understands what is being said. If your reading precedes your speaking and thinking, you can experience a broader input range.