“If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.” – Edward Hopper, American Artist, 1882-1967.
I felt like I didn’t fit in for most of my life. I strived to describe my life’s path to fit into the world of “normal.” Most people seemed to move in straight lines, seek quick answers, and value logic over intuition.
My mind doesn’t work that way. I take in everything at once—the big picture, the connections, the unspoken emotions—and the conversation has moved on when I find the words.
I used to think I just wasn’t good at communicating. But now, I see that different ways of processing thought and thinking shape how we speak and share information in conversations.
Everything All at Once
Some people process step by step, breaking things down into clear, direct points. Others, like me, see everything all at once and struggle to fit it into a neat sentence.
Rather than feel that something is broken in my brain when referencing words and language, I’ve realized that the gap between communication styles can make people feel unseen, misunderstood, or inept.
What if language could be a bridge rather than an experience that can lead to disconnection? I’ve learned to listen for clues in how others speak—do they want a direct answer, or are they open to a broader perspective? I’ve found certain neutral words that help connect both styles.
Words like “perspective,” “consider,” and “possibility” create space for both logic and intuition.
For example, if someone asks, “What should we do next?” a linear thinker might expect a direct answer. Instead of feeling pressured to provide one immediately, I can say, “Let’s consider the possibilities,” which acknowledges structure while leaving room for exploration.
Similarly, when discussing emotions, saying, “I see your perspective,” can validate logic and intuition without dismissing either side.
Learning to incorporate neutral words isn’t just about communication—it’s about connection. Understanding how different minds express language can help us relate to each other better in every part of life.
The Space Between Words
We all deserve to be heard, and when we listen differently, we open the door for more productive conversations, fundamental understanding, and a world where depth and clarity have a place.
Artists, philosophers, and scientists primarily perceive the world through a unique lens.
- The visual artist sees the world as a canvas of emotions, forms, and impressions, often communicating through symbolism and feeling.
- The philosopher seeks meaning and understanding, questioning reality and challenging assumptions while pondering “the why.”
- The scientist explores the mechanics of existence, using observation and experimentation to uncover truths while leaving the philosophical questions to others.
While their perspectives may seem at odds, they can complement one another—art inspires discovery, philosophy guides ethics, and science provides structure. By valuing each other’s insights and embracing a shared language of curiosity and respect, each can work together to create a richer, more complete understanding of the world.
A Room Where Everyone Fits In
Leonardo da Vinci is an excellent example who bridged art, science, and philosophy. He wasn’t just famous for masterpieces like the Mona Lisa—he was also a brilliant scientist and thinker.
His notebooks overflowed with ideas about anatomy, engineering, and nature’s mysteries, showing how he blended creativity with keen observation.
Leonardo reminds us that curiosity, mixing different knowledge types, and trusting facts and feelings can lead to amazing insights.
And here’s the thing—you don’t have to be a DaVinci to enrich your relationships and communication. Try using bridging words like “perspective,” “consider,” or “possibility” when you talk. These words help connect the gap between logical details and intuitive feelings, making it easier for everyone to understand each other.
If you, too, are more right-brained, you may find that discovering a way to create common ground while sharing a conversation can make everyone feel heard and appreciated. We may find that we want to communicate the same ideas differently.
Here are several insightful resources for those seeking to bridge the divide between artistic intuition and a logical, linear world.
In The Master and His Emissary, Iain McGilchrist explains how our brain’s hemispheres shape our perceptions, affirming that a right-brain, intuitive approach is vital and natural.
Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow offers a straightforward exploration of our dual modes of thought, allowing artists to understand that their spontaneous insights have a logical counterpart.
Sir Ken Robinson, Out Of Our Minds champions creativity in education, emphasizing that embracing our unique, artistic ways of thinking is essential to personal growth and fitting into a structured society.
Michael Gelb’s How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci provides practical techniques for blending creative brilliance with systematic reasoning, offering right-brain thinkers concrete strategies for articulating and sharing their vast inner worlds.
Together, these works reassure artists that their intuitive style is normal and a powerful asset in today’s diverse landscape.
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