"پنج درصد از مردم فکر می‌کنند ده درصد از مردم فکر می‌کنند که آن‌ها فکر می‌کنند و هشتاد و پنج درصد دیگر ترجیح می‌دهند بمیرند تا فکر کنند"

The central idea here is about human behavior and our tendencies toward thinking—or not thinking—critically. The quote suggests that a very small fraction of people actively engage in deep thought, some believe they do but don't actually, and the vast majority avoid it altogether. It’s a commentary on how common it is for people to avoid the hard work of genuine thinking.

Historically, this idea has roots in the musings of philosophers and social critics. It’s often attributed to George Bernard Shaw or Thomas Edison—people who spent their lives thinking deeply about the world and saw the challenges in getting others to do the same. The idea is timeless, really. Even in today’s world, with all our technology and information, how many of us truly take the time to think deeply about issues, rather than just skimming headlines or going along with the crowd?

Let me paint a picture of how this plays out in real life. Think about a corporate environment. There’s a big meeting about a new project. Out of the 20 people there, one person is genuinely thinking about the long-term impacts, the detailed steps needed, and anticipating potential problems. Maybe two others are nodding along, thinking they’re contributing but mostly just parroting back ideas they've heard. The rest? They’re more focused on how soon the meeting will end or what’s for lunch. They’d rather not engage deeply—they just want to get through their day.

So how do you apply this wisdom? Start by being part of that five percent. Make it a habit to question things. Ask “why” and “how” more often. Don’t just accept things at face value. When you read something, whether it’s a news article or a social media post, take a moment to think critically about it. Who wrote it? What’s their agenda? Is there evidence to back it up? Engage in conversations that challenge your viewpoints. It’s not about being contrarian for the sake of it, but about nurturing a habit of thinking deeply and critically.

Picture this: You’re at a family dinner, and someone drops a sweeping statement about politics. Instead of nodding along or changing the subject, you ask, “Why do you think that?” or “What information are you basing that on?” It might spark a lively conversation, or it might make people uncomfortable. Either way, you’re practicing the art of thinking and encouraging others to do the same.

Imagine if more people moved into that five percent. Our decisions—personal, professional, societal—would be more considered, more nuanced, and likely more effective. We’d be less susceptible to misinformation and quick fixes. We’d be more innovative because we’d be thinking through problems instead of avoiding them.

So next time you find yourself in a situation where deep thinking is an option, take the plunge. It’s worth the effort, even if it feels a bit uncomfortable at first. Remember, being part of that thinking minority means you’re paving the way for better decisions and, hopefully, inspiring others to join you in that small but mighty five percent.