Linear

• Something, call it ‘X,’ is a minor problem.
• X occurs 10 times over a span of time.
• X + X + X + X + X + X + X + X + X + X = a BIG problem where ‘X’ is concerned

Non-linear

• Something, call it ‘X,’ is a minor problem.
• X occurs 10 times over a span of time.
• X & X & X & X & X & X & X & X & X & X = a definite pattern involving ‘X’

Non-linear thinker wonders why linear thinker is having a cow about something so minor. Linear thinker sees the insurmountable reality of non-linear thinker’s pattern. True ten times over is still (just) true; so linear thinker can acknowledge the truth (pattern) and climb mountains. Ten rungs in a ladder is a fairly tall structure–if it’s standing upright, but only the height of a single rung if it’s lying down; so non-linear thinker can see both perspectives and help the other climb down.