Conclusion: We Are What We Think

"To live in the world of creation- to get into it and stay in it- to frequent it and haunt it- to think intensely and fruitfully- to woo combinations and inspirations into being by a depth and continuity of attention and meditation- this is the only thing.... "- Henry James

"When we go through life unaware of the importance of engaging in serious thinking or unwilling to take the time to do so, we are reducing our chances to be happy. Unfortunately, in the age of distraction, this is the lot of billions of us." (Forni, p. 167). However if we are aware and take the time to truly engage in effective thinking we can create the kind of wonderful life that we'd like to live. 

Because as Forni states great thinking....

1. Makes you aware of other people's needs, which is necessary to having harmonious relationships with them. Empathy is a form of thinking.
2. Makes you more productive at work. Great teamwork, sustained focus, creativity, and good leadership are all made possible by outstanding thinking.
3. Allows you to be more in charge of your future than you would otherwise be. Being proactive is the decisive factor here.
4. Allows you to soften the blow of adverse events large and small.  The mental preparation you did in the good times will pay off handsomely.
5. Keeps you from suffering the negative consequences of impulsive decisions.
6. Enables you to know your weaknesses and how to compensate for them, and your strengths and how to capitalize on them.

This book has given me the opportunity to reflect on many aspects of my life in which I will spend more time thinking and reflecting about.  I kept thinking of Forni's other book that I really loved, Choosing Civility.  Especially his chapter on being a thoughtful person and taking the time to think before speaking.  We are in a new age of technology that keeps moving things along faster and faster and I think it is important for us individually but also as a human race to take some time to stop and think about every aspect of our societies and world.  We need to take time to care about the needs of others, find the truly important aspects of life, and live a life with intention and meaning.  This good life can only be led if we take the time to live it thoughtfully. 

So live, love, laugh, and continue to learn everyone!