In ancient Eastern philosophy, thought holds transformative power. Master Huineng, a revered Tang Dynasty Buddhist monk, observed, "If one thought is deluded, it leads to reincarnation; if one thought is enlightened, it leads to Buddhahood." Here, thought acts as a catalyst, capable of either trapping us in cycles of desire or elevating us toward enlightenment. Huineng's teaching suggests that enlightenment is not something distant or unattainable but is accessible in each moment through the cultivation of the right understanding and awareness.

This timeless concept of purposeful thought transcends cultures and time periods. Many famous sayings by prominent philosophers have inspired me. However, one that stands out is René Descartes' "Cogito, ergo sum," meaning "I think, therefore I am." Descartes (1596-1650) established thought as the cornerstone of human existence. For him, thinking was not merely a mental function; it was the very affirmation of one's being in the world. His iconic phrase has resonated for centuries, highlighting the power of thought in shaping human existence, philosophy and personal identity.

This emphasis on the foundational role of thought in personal identity finds its counterpart in the corporate world through Thomas J. Watson. In 1914, Watson became president of a struggling company called C-T-R (Computing-Tabulating-Recording), which he transformed into IBM. On his first day, Watson adopted "Think" as the company's motto, emphasizing the importance of thoughtfulness and innovation. “I want to change the company's motto to 'Think.' From now on, we will put our hearts into thinking, and through thinking, we will grow into a great and prosperous company,” he declared. Under Watson's leadership, IBM embraced a culture of deep thoughtfulness, propelling its growth from a failing venture to a global technology giant.

Watson's philosophy echoes the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee's famous call to “Change everything except your wife and children,” delivered during a pivotal 1993 meeting in Frankfurt. This speech, known as the Frankfurt Declaration, marked a transformative shift for Samsung — from prioritizing quantity to focusing on quality. It laid the foundation for Samsung's rise as one of Korea's leading conglomerates.

IBM's dominance was eventually challenged by a new tech leader: Bill Gates. The Microsoft founder introduced his own form of intentional reflection through Think Week, a personal retreat designed for profound contemplation. Gates used these weeks to make some of his most critical decisions, helping propel Microsoft to its position as a global powerhouse. His culture of thoughtful reflection spread throughout Microsoft, encouraging employees to think deeply and innovate boldly.

Then came Steve Jobs, the iconic founder of Apple, who championed the mantra "Think Different." For Jobs, revolutionary ideas emerged from fresh perspectives. He frequently emphasized that creativity thrives when we "think different." His approach was famously visual — he even kept a portrait of Einstein in his bedroom as a reminder of the power of bold, unconventional thinking.

Through constant reflection and curiosity, Jobs harnessed the power of thought to create products that redefined personal technology.

The influence of thought extends beyond business and into personal growth. A timeless sequence captures this well: Thoughts eventually lead to practical actions, practical actions lead to habits, habits shape character, and character ultimately determines destiny. Therefore, intentional thinking shapes not only the choices we make but also the character we build and the destiny we create.

In both business and life, distinctive and innovative thinking aligns us with our core values, fostering resilience and growth. Embracing thought as both practice and principle helps us transcend immediate challenges and cultivate a broader perspective. In a world that often values speed over reflection, it's essential to remember the quiet strength of contemplation.

From Descartes' "I think, therefore I am" to Jobs' "Think Different," history teaches us that our thoughts are not merely fleeting reflections — they are the foundation of our destiny. By embracing intentional and reflective thinking, we can align our actions with our values, foster resilience and shape a more thoughtful future.

Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co. and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.