If thinking is categorized practically, it can be broadly split into ‘volitional thinking’ and ‘instrumental thinking.’ Volitional thinking involves the belief that to succeed, a person must have a strong will to overcome hardships and obstacles. Self-improvement falls under this category. However, to actually overcome hardships and obstacles, it is instrumental thinking that drives us to consider that we need ‘tools’ to get past them. In other words, it’s like how carpenters build houses: they construct the structure, but tools are what make it possible. There is no carpenter without tools. Both are essential for success, but if I had to emphasize one, focusing on instrumental thinking is more advantageous. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
The professions that people admire in the United States include police officers and firefighters. Another group of people is carpenters. A key concept in economic activity is “independence,” which means the ability to earn a living on my own. Carpenters and masons are vital for constructing houses and cities, and the skills involved in producing or creating something are crucial to achieving independence. I cannot leave my future in someone else’s hands. Poverty also implies that I am enslaved. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”