The word 思想 is formed by combining two distinct but deeply related characters, each representing a layer of cognitive activity. The first character, 思 (sī), depicts a field (田) over a heart/mind (心), conveying the idea of mental cultivation or structured reflection from the heart. It is joined with 想 (xiǎng), which shows a tree (木) under a heart/mind (心), suggesting an image or idea taking shape in the mind, imagination or contemplation. Together, they merge the internal process of reflective reasoning with the outward act of forming mental images, creating a unified concept of deep, systematic thought, philosophy, or ideology.