029｜The Tool Fallacy of Primitive Thought
The difference between humans and animals is that humans "use tools" .
Uses include: carry, create, and improve.
What is the difference between modern humans and primitive humans?
It's how you look at tools .
Primitives believe that as long as there are "tools", it is enough, because the living environment of primitive people really only needs " tools" to make "subversive" changes. Because it was a "labor-intensive" social environment at that time, whose labor productivity was high depended on whose tools were more efficient.
If you still stay at the level of primitive thinking, you will soon find that you can't keep up with the chaotic rhythm of the world.
"Tools" are electronic devices and software for modern people living in cities. They are no longer a single "equipment" that can only be moved through physical strength.
The user of modern tools is, to be precise, your "mind" . The invention of machines has never been to eliminate the ability of human beings to think, but to promote more "mental development" by freeing hands (and possibly feet).
Because we are engaged in creative design-related work, we are exposed to a lot of "design software" every day, Photoshop, Keynote, Canva, Snapspeed... These are just a "tool" for me. Since it is a "tool", the key is how you "use it" . And this "use" is not the thinking of "what functions does this tool have", but "any tool is just a possibility to realize your idea" .
After you figure this out, you will find that what you should focus on thinking and developing is the ability of "IDEA" , that is, your "mental ability" in a specific area. This is why we often feel that the students trained by Western education are several levels higher than us in terms of "ideas" and "thinking" .
Different fields of "mental ability" require different thinking systems to construct, and they are composed of some metaphysical elements such as history , philosophy , and theory . In layman's terms, even if you are given the same tools, you may not be able to create Monet's sleeping face, Van Gogh's sunflowers and Ai Weiwei's melon seeds.
Not only in the field of artistic creation, we have to be careful not to fall into the "tool fallacy" . The same is true in other areas of life. The so-called learning is to learn "how to think" , not to learn "which tool to use" .
Some examples:
❌ How cool is this PPT? May I ask what software did you use? (tool fallacy)
⭕️ How do you think about content structure , transition animation , and content presentation ?
❌ What camera was used to take this picture? What software do you use later? (tool fallacy)
⭕️ How to compose the picture, how to capture the picture , how to express the light and shadow ?
❌ Where did you find this job opportunity? (tool fallacy)
⭕️ What are the methods and preparations for finding a job?
❌ What investments have you made? What stock did you buy? (tool fallacy)
⭕️ How do you understand "investment and wealth management"? What are your thoughts ?
❌ Your makeup is so natural, what products did you use? (tool fallacy)
⭕️ How did you design this look? What are the principles ?
Etc., etc.
Really, tools don't matter .
So next time, don’t ask others what you use to do this , but more to dismantle how others think . Think first, ask questions later. Use an open mind to absorb each other's thinking logic. It's not easy and requires a lot of courage, but it can help you expand into uncharted territory.
May everyone become a better version of themselves and gain peace and love.
about me:
A roast chicken that lives in the southern hemisphere.
Export Studies Instructor, ICF Certified Qualification
Committed to promoting the "output" thinking system, and using "output" to promote the growth of more people.
Contact me: milagro0828@gmail.com
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