What is an Idea?

What is an idea?

An idea is a concept or mental image that represents something that can be perceived, understood, or thought about. It is a representation of knowledge, understanding, or belief about something, and can be either abstract or concrete.Ideas can be formed through a variety of processes, including observation, experience, reasoning, and imagination. They can also be influenced by an individual's culture, education, and personal beliefs. Ideas can be communicated through language, images, or other forms of representation.
There are different types of ideas, such as:
   

• Scientific ideas: These are ideas that are based on empirical evidence and logical reasoning and can be tested through experimentation and observation.
• Philosophical ideas: These are ideas that are based on abstract concepts and theories and are often used to explore fundamental questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and existence.
• Creative ideas: These are ideas that are used to generate new and original works of art, literature, music, and other forms of expression.
• Practical ideas: These are ideas that are used to solve problems and improve the quality of life in various fields such as technology, architecture, and health care.

Overall, an idea is a mental construct that represents something that can be understood or thought about. It can be based on different types of knowledge and can be used for different purposes. Ideas are an essential part of human thought, and they play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world and our ability to create and innovate.

Where do ideas come from?

Ideas can come from a variety of sources, including:

1. Observation and experience: Ideas can be formed through direct observation and experience of the world. For example, an idea about the properties of a certain type of rock might be formed through observing and handling different types of rocks.

2. Reasoning and logic: Ideas can also be formed through reasoning and logic. For example, an idea about the causes of a certain phenomenon might be formed by analysing data and applying scientific principles.

3. Imagination and creativity: Ideas can also come from the imagination and creativity. For example, an idea for a new piece of art or a new invention might be formed by combining existing ideas in new and unique ways.

4. Learning and education: Ideas can also be acquired through learning and education. For example, an idea about a historical event might be formed by studying history books or by listening to a lecture on the topic.

5. Interaction with others: Ideas can also come from interactions with other people. For example, an idea for a new business venture might be formed by discussing different possibilities with colleagues or friends.

6. Dreams and unconscious mind: Ideas can also come from our unconscious mind, such as dreams, subconscious thoughts, and memories. Some people believe that these thoughts can be interpreted to gain insight into the unconscious mind and help with creative problem solving.

It is worth noting that ideas are not always original and can be influenced by previous experiences, culture and external factors. Additionally, the process of generating ideas can be a combination of different sources and can change over time.

What do ideas do?

Ideas can have a wide range of effects and can be used for different purposes, depending on the individual and the specific context. Some of the things that ideas can do include:

1. Shape understanding and perception: Ideas can shape the way that individuals understand and perceive the world around them. For example, an idea about the nature of the universe can shape an individual's understanding of their place in the world.

2. Facilitate problem solving: Ideas can be used to solve problems and overcome obstacles. For example, an idea for a new technology can be used to improve communication and connect people around the world.

3. Generate new knowledge: Ideas can be used to generate new knowledge and understanding. For example, an idea for a new scientific experiment can be used to test a hypothesis and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

4. Create art and culture: Ideas can be used to create art and culture. For example, an idea for a new novel can be used to tell a story and express a unique perspective on the world.

5. Inspire change: Ideas can inspire change and innovation. For example, an idea for a new social movement can be used to advocate for a cause and bring about positive change in society.

6. Influence behaviour: Ideas can influence behaviour and decision-making. For example, an idea about the importance of exercise can inspire an individual to make a change in their lifestyle and improve their physical health.

Overall, ideas can play a vital role in shaping the way individuals think and perceive the world, as well as in creating new knowledge, art, and culture, solving problems and making decisions. They can also inspire change and innovation, and can have a significant impact on society and the world at large.

So what is an idea?

* A formulated thought or opinion. *

A formulated thought...

       A thought that has been formulated. Formulated from pre-existing expectations.

Our expectations, our hopes and dreams, are the thoughts that we combine to produce new ideas.

For our ideas to be viable they must be blended or woven from thoughts and expectations that match patterns we have observed from actual lived reality.

{ If we want our idea to fit with actual lived reality. }

So we must make sure all of our information is sound before weaving  it into a new idea.

Where do ideas come from?

* Ideas are a mindful manifestation of lived experience and extrapolated patterns that attempt to predict the future *

An idea is formulated from the blending,orchestrating,weaving together of existing known thoughts, objective and subjective.

We have different thoughts and ideas when we are in different frames of mind.

We make different choices when we experience different emotions. Emotions can be ordered from high to low energy. We see low energy depression and high energy euphoria, not the other way around.

We create ideas from the threads and extrapolated patterns of what we think we know, in the environment of our emotions.

We have a spontaneous side and an ordered side to our thinking. The more successful ideas tend to come from 'spontaneity' offering a direction, and 'order' organising logical steps to create a plan that can be followed.

Spontaneity comes from emotion, order comes from a clear head.

Balance is best.

What does an idea do?

* An idea can lead to physical action *

Most ideas lead only to other ideas but some do actually lead to an investment of effort and physical action being taken.

( ideas are often stifled by reality)

The ideas that reward us tend to be frequent visitors to our thoughts. 

* An idea has chemistry *

The ideas that persist appear to be the ones that reward us with dopamine whilst we are thinking of them.  The ideas that really push our buttons are the ideas that really stimulate our brain's dopamine production. 

[Dopamine half-life is about 2 minutes]

Tell someone you have an idea that means they can get their fix of choice for free. If there is the slightest hint of a possibility that the idea will work the addict will commit to that idea.

Ideas are just a plans: ideas can be brilliant but they can also be wrong from the start or they can go wrong later. it's whether it can be corrected in time.

We are rewarded with dopamine when we successfully combine patterns that point to a growth of order.