Think silver, do gold

Author: Chu Feng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Thinking is a spiritual activity unique to humans. From the moment the first ray of dawn quietly peeks through the window in the morning, we initiate our thinking activities. It helps us organize our thoughts, formulate a plan for the day's work and study, prioritize tasks, and enables us to achieve results efficiently amidst a busy day. When dealing with anything, we must ( means " method and approach"), ensuring proper use to maximize its effectiveness. Thinking is no exception. Although everyone possesses it, the effects vary greatly depending on how each person applies it. Using logical thinking skills correctly and appropriately can help us see through the appearances of many things, like a ( means "thousand-li-eyed," an idiom for sharp vision), allowing us to see both far and clearly discern their essence. If used improperly, not only will analysis and judgment be unclear, but reasoning may also deviate from logic, potentially leading to comical and absurd outcomes.
Two American experts went to Egypt to visit the pyramids. They spent the entire day sightseeing during the day and stayed early in a small town that night. Expert A stayed in the room, focused on writing a diary, while Expert B went to the night market alone for a stroll. While wandering, he noticed an old woman selling a black toy cat by the roadside. According to the old woman, this "cat" was a family heirloom, and she would never have sold it if her grandson hadn't fallen seriously ill and had no money for treatment. "How much?" "500 yuan." Expert B casually played with the cat, then suddenly his eyes lit up—he had discovered something. The cat's two eyes were two huge pearls. He offered 300 yuan for the "cat's eyes," and the old woman, desperate for money, reluctantly agreed.
Expert B brought the "cat's eyes" back to the hotel and excitedly told Expert A about his lucky find. After hearing the story, Expert A immediately put down his pen and rushed to buy the "cat" without eyes for 200 yuan. Expert B mocked Expert A, calling him foolish for spending 200 yuan on a cast-iron "cat," which was not worth the money. Expert A ignored his teasing and took out a fruit knife, gently scraping the "cat." Instantly, a brilliant golden light flashed. He exclaimed with joy, "Just as I suspected, this 'cat' is made of gold!" At this point, Expert B felt extremely regretful—why hadn't he bought the entire "cat" along with the eyes? He couldn't understand it and asked Expert A, "How did you know it was made of gold?" Expert A replied, "Although you are knowledgeable, you lack imagination. Why didn't you think about it? If the cat's eyes are made of precious pearls, how could its body be made of cheap cast iron?"
In fact, Expert B had only used fixed-pattern thinking to analyze and judge. His conclusion was that a whole "cat" sold for 500 yuan, and spending 300 yuan for two pearl eyes was a bargain. Thus, he happily returned. Expert A, however, used logical reasoning: since the cat's eyes were made of pearls, its body could not possibly be made of cast iron. Although it was entirely black, like ordinary cast iron, it was illogical to embed two pearls in such a common object. As a result, he returned with a golden "cat." It's not that he was worth spending 200 yuan, but rather that he truly had sharp insight.
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