How to Develop Contrarian Thinking and Question the Norm
Developing contrarian thinking does not mean merely rejecting conventional wisdom. Instead, it involves analyzing, questioning, and forming your own opinions based on critical observation and evaluation. Contrarian thinking requires a deep engagement with the world around you and an unyielding willingness to challenge the status quo.
Understanding Contrarian Thinking
The essence of contrarian thinking is to detach yourself from the prevailing beliefs and to believe in what others may find offensive or radical. To achieve this, start by determining the orthodoxy of the beliefs around you and then deliberately oppose it. It's a process that demands both clarity and courage.
However, the complexity arises in defining the extent of your contrariness. Do you aspire to hold beliefs that no one else shares, or are you content with beliefs that are held by a minority? This choice defines the level of effort you need to invest in identifying and challenging orthodox beliefs.
Challenges of Contrarian Thinking
While the idea of contrarian thinking is simple in principle—determine the orthodoxy and oppose it—it is fraught with practical challenges. One major issue is the difficulty in coherently assembling a set of beliefs that are contradictory yet complementary. Unpopular beliefs often lack a cohesive structure, making it hard to construct a coherent framework.
Another hurdle is convincing yourself to believe in something solely because it is counterintuitive. However, the usefulness or believability of an idea is not determined by its popularity. Instead, it depends on the underlying qualities that make it compelling or desirable.
Furthermore, the purpose of holding such views must be explored. Even if you can believe contradictory or unhelpful things arbitrarily, the value of beliefs lies not in their scarcity or ubiquity but in their inherent persuasiveness and usefulness.
Challenging Orthodoxy
The key to developing contrarian thinking lies in questioning the orthodoxy of prevailing beliefs. Below are two mechanisms that help you recognize and challenge the basis of many entrenched beliefs:
Peer Influence
Most people’s opinions are shaped by others, not through independent observation or critical thinking. Recognizing this can help you see through widely held, often shallow beliefs. Just because an idea is pervasive, it does not mean it is valid.
Social and Historical Context
Beliefs often evolve over time and are influenced by their social and historical context. For instance, it was common for mathematicians to believe women could not understand higher mathematics until the 19th century, and 1960s officially sanctioned racism in the US South is a stark reminder of how beliefs change. Understanding these context shifts can help you form more nuanced and independent opinions.
The Reward of Independent Belief
Adopting contrarian thinking is not just a mental exercise; it is a powerful tool for critical analysis and independent decision-making. By questioning established norms and developing your own perspectives, you can uncover deeper truths and make more informed decisions. Embrace the challenge and the creative freedom that comes with contrarian thinking, and you’ll find yourself better equipped to navigate the complex world we live in.
Ultimately, the value of beliefs lies in their ability to provide meaningful insights and guidance, not in their rarity or popularity. Foster a habit of deep, independent thinking, and you'll be better prepared to challenge the norm and shape your own path.