Insight

After a long chat with a close friend in Real Life 2.0 and a really interesting discussion on Twitter with @cotterj1 and @studentdocdiary I have decided to try and gather some of my thoughts on the topic on insight. This is neither complete nor learned and I'd love to hear your views on it.

Insight is the ability to discern the true nature of a situation accepting that there maybe more than one perception of the world. Philosophically, it is about being able to engage in a valid internal argument from an inductive rather than deductive approach. It is about asking "Why did that happen" accepting that there may be more than simple causation.

I think we all have insight, some better developed than others, but that intrinsically we all have the ability to at least begin this internal conversation; insight is simply an extension of learning. Whether that internal conversation is cogent or heard determines the level of insight perceived by those around. Insight is neither constant nor perfect in anyone, for some there are moments of Damascene clarity and others a foggy road of travel, its increase is not guaranteed nor does it necessarily apply to all facets of our existence. It is not simply about experience or maturity, age or ability and in fact a child-like (not childish) insight may often avoid the incorrect argument of time and cynicism. Importantly this critique, not criticism, based on valid argument separates insight from self deprecation.

The stimulus to this discussion was noting the lack of insight in two colleagues being interviewed for a job and wondering whether this quality could be taught. On this I have been challenged but I remain strident that it can be modelled, coached and if not taught then understanding offered because surely life without insight is poorer and action with insight is greater. I'm not saying that this will be easy but isn't it worth striving for?