What does it mean when someone says you have a hard time understanding the abstract?

Question

What does it mean when someone says you have a hard time understanding the abstract?

What is the Abstract?

Answer 1

Abstract means it is not written, stated in black and white.  One must think about it to figure it out  So, if you have a hard time understanding the abstract, this simply means that you need whatever it is explained in a way that is clear to you.

Answer 2

A good example is a religious fundamentalist... they take it all literally while someone with good abstraction skills can see the metaphorical and universal truth behind it and they can get the same from all religions.

It's like believing Jesus is a real human being versus a -representation- of the guiding light so to speak.

Answer 3

abstract is something that is intangible.

something you cannot physically feel or touch.

abstract can be things like love, emotions.

so its difficult to understand because you cannot lay it out in front of your eyes and describe the physical characteristics and such

Answer 4

It means they are a concrete thinker rather than a abstract thinker.

Abstract is less form, use of analogy & metaphor in thinking. A concrete thinker would see a sign that says slow children at play & see slow down, children are playing. A abstract thinker would also see slow children (as in slow intellectually or physically) are playing. Thanks.

Answer 5

If you go through life dealing with each situation on a case by case basis, and never trying to attempt to understand 'LIFE' as a BIG concept, then you are not engaging in the abstract.

For some people, abstract thinking is fun.  This is the mindset of politicians, for example.  For most, it's not a very productive way to spend your time.

Answer 6

I would take it to mean that the person meant that you're a very "literal" kind of guy.  You take facts, observations, and the like to make a reasonable, educated opinion or guess about something.  People that "understand the abstract" are your "outside the box" thinkers.  Those, that in my opinion, walk a very fine line between genius capabilities and sheer lunacy.  Abstract thinkers are able to think primarily with the creative side of the brain, and/or both sides at the same time.  I wouldn't be "offended" by the comment....we are who we are....