What does independent thinking mean in chess?

By thinking independently, chess players can develop a deeper understanding of the game, improve analytical skills, and become stronger and more confident players.

How does "thinking independently" improve chess skill? I

Meant to say, I'm not so sure "thinking independently" is a good idea, since trying to be creative without worrying about logical what the engines/coaches/masters think you should do tends to lead to blunders & chess crimes that you'd be repeating game after game.

Example: Instead of immediately executing a memorized opening move, you consider whether it fits your opponent's position, which differs slightly from the theory. So, I think relying on memorization alone isn't enough. Independent thinking allows people to creatively analyze and evaluate their own mistakes.

positive and negative impacts of independent thinking

Positively, independent thinking can boost self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and creativity. However, overly independent thinking can also have negative consequences, such as becoming overly perfect, having difficulty working with others, and being prone to stress if pushed too hard.

Well said.

To take this further, here’s an article on thinking independently in-game: https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/resistance/

I could also share content on thinking independently within other contexts such as post-game, application of principles, and overall study approach (which I may do in the future).

is this link for people who want to analyze chess?