The Pragmatic Paradox: The Unintended Consequences of Action-Oriented Thinking

Born in the heart of 1870s America, pragmatism is a philosophical tradition that regards words and thought as tools and instruments for prediction, problem solving, and action. It dismisses the notion that the function of thought is to describe, represent, or mirror reality. Instead, it postulates that what genuinely matters is what solves problems.

This perspective, though seemingly practical, has its drawbacks. In Alexis de Tocqueville's esteemed book, "Democracy in America," he endeavoured to unravel why republican representative democracy thrived in the United States while it floundered elsewhere. Tocqueville astutely observed the American tendency towards objectivity—if something did not lend itself to immediate comprehension, it was deemed useless.

Tocqueville noted that the American vision of success was synonymous with business accomplishment, highlighting a culture that championed industriousness. The incessant American hustle, however, left and continues to leave scant time for in-depth exploration of any one subject. This frenzied lifestyle fosters a society with "generalist tendencies"—citizens forming opinions on public debates from a limited knowledge base.

He famously lamented the absence of a quiet place to traverse the complexities of intelligent thought. Tocqueville expressed concern that democracies might gradually erode critical thinking abilities, leaving only thoughts inclined towards action. His foresight seems prophetic in our present society, awash with shallow opinions on every topic circulating through the relentless whirlpool of social media sewage. This deluge can make us feel as though we're drowning in a sea of stupidity.

Pragmatism, a philosophy that favours action-oriented thought, is inadvertently nurtured by democracies. This pragmatic mindset, while beneficial in many regards, can lead to a diminishing capacity for complex and critical thought.

Democracy, as Winston Churchill famously remarked, is the worst form of government—except for all the others. Its virtue lies in its inclusivity, a stark contrast to the feudal systems of yore, where the peasantry rarely had a voice in thoughtful discussions. Yet, this very inclusivity can sometimes oversaturate the public discourse with banal interests.

In this context, I often advise marketers and industry peers to diversify their reading habits. When asked for reading recommendations, my response typically is, "anything, but business books."

Modern bookstores are brimming with aisles of business and self-help books, each promising to be the panacea to all your concerns. This overabundance of pragmatic literature has been quietly draining generations of their critical thinking abilities, leaving them adrift in a sea of information, desperately seeking a straightforward pathway to betterment.

However, reality tells a different story. After perusing a few dozen business books, one begins to discern the pattern of repetition, with only the examples changing to illustrate the same, recycled concepts. Authors stretch a simple idea across 300 pages, an idea that could be easily expressed in a 1,500-word article. The economics of publishing often promotes this maddening behaviour. A $30 price tag on a 300-page book fetches far more than a concise, insightful article ever would.

This realization brings me to my plea to fellow industry professionals: take a break from the pragmatic approach, even if it's just for one day a week. Go read a novel. Strive to understand human nature for its own sake. Allow yourself to be "unproductive" for a while. Embrace the "waste" of time.

It is during these seemingly unproductive periods that we are often the most creative, the moments when we nourish our soul. Free yourself from the chains of pragmatism periodically. You'll find yourself emerging from the suffocating sea of banality with a clearer, deeper, and more nuanced mind.

Despite the practical allure of pragmatism, it's crucial to understand its potential pitfalls. A relentless pursuit of problem-solving and action can inadvertently lead to a superficial understanding of complex issues and foster a culture that values brevity over depth. This, combined with the current saturation of the market with business and self-help literature, can stifle our ability to think critically, reducing our thought process to a series of rote, mechanized actions.

But it doesn't have to be this way. Instead of reaching for the latest business bestseller, consider immersing yourself in a classic novel or a thought-provoking non-fiction piece. Explore diverse themes, delve into the intricacies of human nature, and indulge in the luxury of pondering life's big questions. There's a certain magic in allowing ourselves to be lost in the world of words, without the pressure of seeking immediate solutions or achieving tangible results.

Remember, while business books can provide valuable insights and practical tips, they are not the only source of wisdom. Novels, poems, philosophical texts, and even historical accounts can offer profound perspectives and stimulate intellectual growth. They can open our eyes to new ideas, broaden our horizons, and help us develop a more rounded and informed worldview.

Moreover, periods of seeming unproductivity—those spent daydreaming, pondering, or simply being—are not wasted. They are the fertile ground where creativity blossoms, where our subconscious mind sifts through information, connects the dots, and forms new ideas. These moments of stillness, of deliberate slowness, are the antidote to the relentless rush of our pragmatic, action-driven culture.

So, let's reassess the way we approach new bits of seemingly useless knowledge. Let's appreciate the value of diverse intellectual pursuits and the power of 'unproductive' time. In doing so, we can steer clear of the shallow waters of pragmatism and navigate towards a deeper, richer understanding of the world around us. By stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing a more comprehensive approach to learning, we can reignite our innate curiosity, foster intellectual growth, and contribute to more nuanced and meaningful discussions in our societies.

As Tocqueville alluded to, look for a quiet place to explore the complexity of intelligent thought, and in doing so, rise above the sea of banality.

PPA