ॐ गं गणपतये नमः।
Thinking is neither meant for understanding nor for assessing anything. Thinking by itself has no power to improve understanding. Thinking is meant to be used as a weapon to cut through the barrier of our likes and dislikes.
Understanding is a natural byproduct of the expansion of awareness (consciousness) when those mental barriers are cut. Yes, it does bring pain, but discomfort is the only process for growing into a better human being.
ॐ श्री मात्रे नमः।