Mullastamist

Mullastamist is a neologism used to describe a deliberate practice of sustained, cross-domain rumination intended to produce novel solutions by integrating disparate ideas. Proponents conceive it as a mode of cognitive work that intentionally extends thinking time beyond quick problem solving, emphasizing meta-cognitive monitoring, tolerance for ambiguity, and iterative refinement. The term appears in online discussions and fringe academic writings from the early 2010s and has not achieved widespread formal definition or consensus.

Despite limited consensus on its origin, mullastamist seems to combine 'mull', meaning to ponder or brood, with elements reminiscent of 'artist' or 'ist' to signal a systematic approach. It is considered a practice rather than a theory, and it lacks standardized methodologies or metrics.

Practitioners describe mullastamist as consisting of extended 'mull sessions'—explicitly bounded periods during which a person reviews a problem, records hypotheses, and explores cross-disciplinary connections. Techniques may include structured journaling, pair or group reflection, and deliberate breaks to prevent premature closure. The aim is to produce solutions that synthesize diverse domains rather than optimize a single dimension.

Applications span creative design, strategy development, and policy analysis, particularly where complex, ill-defined problems require new associations. Critics argue that the approach is ill-defined, lacks empirical support, and risks analysis paralysis if overused. Supporters counter that it promotes depth, resilience to cognitive biases, and long-term originality.

Related ideas include metacognition, reflective practice, and cognitive offloading; mullastamist is often discussed alongside debates about the value of extended deliberation in decision making.