"Instinct is something which transcends knowledge."

Sometimes, we just know things without having to think too hard about them. That's the crux of this idea. Instinct is this gut feeling or immediate understanding that goes beyond what we can articulate or explain intellectually. It’s that moment when you sense something’s off without having solid evidence, or when you make a split-second decision that turns out to be spot-on.

Think back to the times when humans didn’t have all the information and technology we have now. Our ancestors relied heavily on instincts for survival. Imagine a hunter-gatherer who senses danger before seeing the predator. They didn’t have time to analyze the situation; their instinct told them to run, and that’s what kept them alive. This is what makes instinct so powerful—it's quick and often accurate.

Take the example of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who safely landed a US Airways flight on the Hudson River in 2009. Birds struck the plane's engines shortly after takeoff, and Sully had mere seconds to decide what to do. There was no manual or protocol that could cover every nuance of that situation. His training was extensive, sure, but it was his instinct that told him landing on the river was the best option. His knowledge and experience fed into that instinct, but in that high-pressure moment, it was his gut feeling that guided him to make the right call and save all 155 lives on board.

So, how can you tap into this wisdom in your own life? Start by trusting your gut more often. If something feels wrong, take a step back and examine it—even if you can’t immediately articulate why. It’s also about honing your instincts through experience and reflection. The more you face different situations, the better your gut becomes at guiding you.

Picture this: You’re in a job interview, and everything seems perfect on paper. The company is prestigious, the pay is great, and the benefits are top-notch. Yet, something feels off. Maybe it's the way the hiring manager talks about the company culture, or a comment that didn’t sit right with you. Instead of ignoring that feeling, listen to it. Take the time to ask more questions, or even reconsider if this is the right fit for you. Your instinct might be picking up on something that your conscious mind hasn’t yet processed.

Think about a time when you met someone new, and you instantly felt at ease—or uneasy. That’s your instinct at play, picking up on subtle cues that you might not consciously notice. While it’s not foolproof, it’s a valuable tool in navigating complex social interactions.

In our data-driven world, it’s easy to get lost in analysis and overthinking. But sometimes, the best decisions come from that inner voice. Trust it. Nurture it. Let your instincts guide you when knowledge alone isn't enough. You might be surprised at how often your gut feeling points you in the right direction—even when your mind is still catching up.