Speaking to yourself in the third person makes you wiser (aeon.co)

Article summary

The article discusses the benefits of speaking to oneself in the third person, also known as illeism, as a means of gaining wisdom and improving decision-making skills. Research has shown that using third-person thinking can temporarily improve decision making and bring long-term benefits to thinking and emotional regulation. This technique involves silently thinking to oneself in the third person, allowing for a clearer perspective and reduced emotional bias. By adopting this method, individuals can develop greater intellectual humility, perspective-taking, and capacity to find compromises.

Main themes

• self-reflection
• decision making
• emotional regulation
• wisdom
• cognitive biases

What commenters say

• Some people find that talking to themselves in their head is a normal and helpful part of their thought process, while others find it annoying or damaging.
• Practicing self-compassion and treating oneself with kindness can be an effective way to manage a critical inner voice.
• Meditation can be a useful tool for managing intrusive thoughts and developing greater self-awareness, but it requires patience and practice.
• The goal of meditation is not to suppress thoughts, but to learn to observe them without judgment and cultivate a sense of calm and clarity.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy can be helpful approaches for managing negative self-talk and developing greater self-awareness.
• Some people find that their inner voice can be a source of motivation and encouragement, rather than just criticism.
• The ability to observe one's thoughts without judgment is a key aspect of developing wisdom and improving emotional regulation.