Thinking outside the box (also thinking out of the box[1][2] or thinking beyond the box and, especially in Australia, thinking outside the square[3]) is a metaphor that means to think differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective. This phrase often refers to novel or creative thinking.- (Wikipedia).
Why do not we think? There is "No Box"
Please see the following discussion
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-meaning-of-Dont-think-outside-the-box-think-like-there-is-no-box
Best Regards Md. Saidur Rahaman
There's convergent thinking (inside the box), there's divergent thinking (outside the box). Creativity lies in meta-convergent thinking (making the box). Being able to think 'outside' an make it the next 'inside'. The box is there for directionality purposes. Thinking is goal-oriented. No box, no direction, no goal, no thinking. Plus the box (preferebly the one you make, but still) gets you boundaries to combat analysis paralysis, stop thinking at some point and act.
Dear Md. Saidur Rahaman
I always think we have a "box"/"boxes", I mean: we rather quickly develop a "box" in areas of study (and, perhaps, to some extent: in-general). I think this is clearly indicated by the limits of working memory -- and therefore they are necessary. BUT, on the other hand:
You can be very mindful of the development of your "box" (as it develops) and thus recognize errors, if you have been literally, properly, and thoroughly [as much as seemingly possible] mindful all along. I do not think of this as the result of just thinking; some things, clear considerations about situations and/or circumstances are always involved; I do, thus, think no one needs to be 'locked" in their box(es) -- at least those most important to them. Also, situations or circumstances, even if you have not been properly mindful, may lead you (when you are later more mindful, or properly so) to at least somewhat correct or amend your "box(es)" -- BUT maybe not to the extent they should if you have not well-developed mindfulness. Also, developing mindfulness can lead you to "go back" and look again at situations and circumstances and thus through striving and will you may also (fortunately) alter "boxes".
We all are "blessed" to have "boxes"; it is quite possible that some cannot appropriately alter the involved views/perspectives/approaches and get out of some of their boxes. AGAIN: To be properly and thoroughly mindful is to some extent a skill one must also develop -- for your present thought and "retroactively" (see what I said indicating this above). [ For good thorough, right mindfulness you need wholesome behavior in thought, word, and actions AND to have eliminated intrusions or distractions or impediments from any unwholesome thought, words, or actions (this is the ideal to have right concentration with right attention and leading to more right view). ]
We ALL have "boxes", but we can have ones that are quite good. I always seem to be able to properly elaborate and/or amend some of my "boxes" and I feel for the most part: "all is well" -- at least in the important areas I care most about. This indeed can make you more free and creative (and all this implies few limits) , even with "boxes".
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