Antipraxis Answers
The Role of Contrarian Practices
With the right question, the most impenetrable doors can swing open, revealing paths less traveled that lead to innovative solutions.1
Antipraxis champions the use of counterintuitive approaches in problem-solving and decision-making. A concept that invites you to lean into the unknown.
It challenges established norms and the status quo, urging you to venture beyond conventional wisdom by embracing your curiosity as the route. In a world often shackled by ‘the way things have always been,’ antipraxis is a testament to the power of questioning as a catalyst for change and growth.2
Origins trace back to ancient philosophical debates, where antipraxis served as a tool to disrupt conventional thinking and explore truths. Antipraxis derives from Greek, the prefix anti- meaning against or opposite, and praxis as action or practice.3 In today’s context, its application spans various fields, from business strategy to educational methodologies and personal development.
In business, antipraxis exemplifies strategies that appear counterproductive at first glance but yield substantial benefits. For instance, companies may intentionally slow down their production processes, focusing on quality over quantity. This approach can enhance product value, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately increase profitability in the long term. “People only want to be contrarians when it’s popular,” from Rick Rule, an expert in the resource sector.
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The education sector utilizes antipraxis by encouraging students to challenge traditional learning paradigms. The application involves incorporating techniques that prompt learners to question established knowledge or unlearn certain aspects to foster a more creative and open mindset. It’s an approach that values critical thinking and adaptability over rote memorization.
Personal development through antipraxis involves embracing unconventional methods to achieve growth. This approach isn’t just about taking on new or challenging tasks. It’s about deliberately stepping into unfamiliar territory, mentally and physically. Therefore, engaging in activities that push you out of your comfort zone fosters resilience and adaptability.
For instance, you might try public speaking if you’re typically introverted. Or if you’re a tech professional, you might attend an art class. (There is more to say on art in STEM curriculums than architects, but I’ll leave STEAM for another day.) It’s about recognizing that personal growth often comes from unexpected and challenging experiences.
These experiences do more than broaden skill sets; they reshape how you perceive and react to new situations. By consistently facing and overcoming such challenges, you cultivate resilience – the ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Additionally, this practice enhances adaptability, equipping a better handle on change and uncertainty. Embracing this aspect of antipraxis can lead to profound personal growth, as it teaches you to be comfortable with discomfort, an invaluable skill.
…there is nothing new under the sun.
If interested in further exploration, you might find Humphrey B. Neill’s “The Art of Contrary Thinking” an enlightening read4, offering insights into the benefits of counterintuitive thinking.
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> Highlight — A sphinx view of things
Looking forward, the principles of antipraxis hold the potential to revolutionize your approach to various challenges. Its role in fostering innovative thinking and solutions is increasingly relevant in a complex, fast-changing world.
On thinks, with inks and links
Inspiration came from the artist's statement of Tree Time (1998), a computer-controlled robotic sculpture—plus, Bruce Cannon’s love for challenges and systematic thinking
Antipraxis is not an actual dictionary-defined word. But how often do we tack prefixes in front of just about anything? anti-9-5
Be a contrarian, read a book. However, if you can’t be bothered to read, as I am at times, here’s an anecdotal review of Neill’s “The Art of Contrary Thinking.”