Iceberg Thinking: What is Iceberg Thinking?

Lesson 1: What is Iceberg Thinking?

What is "Iceberg Thinking"?

Maybe you’ve heard of the tip of the iceberg. In a new situation, recognizing that there’s a lot we don’t know can help us in our quest for knowledge and human understanding.

Dive Deeper

  • Discuss: An iceberg is a powerful symbol that many great thinkers have returned to time and time again. While it’s used in similar ways, the meaning changes a little, depending on the context. Take a look at the following two quotes. Think about what they might mean, and then share your ideas: 
  1. “The mind is like an iceberg; it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water.” –Sigmund Freud, Founder of Psychoanalysis
  2. “What’s powerful is when what you say is just the tip of the iceberg of what you know.” –Jim Rohn, Entrepreneur
  • Reflect: Think of your life as an iceberg. We all have parts that are hidden from view, which very few people know about. Take several minutes to write in your journal about what others can see versus what they don’t see. You don’t have to share—but you can if you want to! 

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