5d-thinking

# 5D Thinking Framework

Apply multi-dimensional thinking to analyze problems, generate insights, and avoid cognitive blind spots. This framework expands thinking across five dimensions: width, depth, height, perspective quadrants, and time.

## Core Principle

**Genius thinking is the ability to continue thinking.** Stupid thinking stops too early—reaching a point where pre-programmed thoughts react defensively, failing to reach novel insight. The goal is to hold threatening ideas in the realm of possibility while seeking to understand rather than merely know.

## The Five Dimensions

### Dimension 1: Width (Lines of Thinking)

Lines represent horizontal development—domains of knowledge. Marketing, psychology, physics, relationships, spirituality, health, etc.

**Apply by:** Identify which domains are relevant to the problem. Consider what adjacent domains might offer unexpected insights. Avoid reductionism (jamming everything into one domain's framework).

### Dimension 2: Depth (Levels of Thinking)

Levels represent vertical sophistication within each domain. Progress through these stages:

| Level | Name | Pattern | Limitation |
|-------|------|---------|------------|
| 0 | Instinctual | React to stimuli | No thinking between stimulus and response |
| 1 | Conformist | Follow rules, obey authority | Black/white thinking, no questioning |
| 2 | Individualist | Construct own model | Still dogmatic—"my way is right" |
| 3 | Synthesist | See multiple valid models | Hold contradictions, use perspectives as tools |
| 4 | Generative | Create original perspectives | Produce insights that didn't exist before |

**Apply by:** Identify what level thinking is occurring. When stuck at Levels 1-2 (dogmatic "I'm right, you're wrong"), consciously shift to Level 3+ by asking: "What would make the opposing view correct?"

### Dimension 3: Height (Altitude of Thinking)

Altitude is the average level across all domains—cross-dimensional development. Like a skill tree in a video gam