Illeism: The ancient trick to help you think more wisely

The article titled 'Illeism: The ancient trick to help you think more wisely' delves into the concept of illeism, a psychological tool that can aid in more objective and unbiased thinking. The author, a writer specializing in psychology, has discovered numerous evidence-based strategies for improved cognition, but illeism has proven to be particularly beneficial. Illeism is the act of referring to oneself in the third person, a rhetorical device often employed by politicians to lend an air of objectivity to their statements. Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor, is a notable historical figure who utilized this technique.

While illeism may sound peculiar or even pretentious to contemporary listeners, recent psychological studies suggest that it can offer significant cognitive advantages. When faced with a challenging decision, speaking about oneself in the third person can help to neutralize the emotions that could potentially skew our thinking, thereby enabling us to arrive at a more judicious solution. Igor Grossmann, a researcher at the University of Waterloo in Canada, has been instrumental in the scientific study of wisdom and has identified several 'metacognitive components' that are crucial for wise decision making.

Grossmann's research has revealed that the wisdom of people's reasoning can be context-dependent. He found that individuals tend to reason more wisely when considering other people's situations rather than their own personal dilemmas, a phenomenon he termed 'Solomon's Paradox'. This is because when making personal choices, we often become overly engrossed in our emotions, which can cloud our judgment and prevent us from gaining perspective. However, the use of illeism can help to resolve this paradox by creating a sense of detachment, allowing us to view the situation from a broader perspective and make more informed decisions.