This can vary. I do find that being open to infinite potential and probable scenarios is quite an elevating means of conversing with someone, while also being an actually evolving state of mind and beyond.
However, you can actually determine what someone else is thinking - at least on a cerebral level - not only with telepathy, aura reading and other methods similar methods, but also with analysis of their character and such. Varying by how thoughtful and skilled one is in such things, as well as who you're dealing with and their own current level of thoughtfulness, one can discern quite a few things about the other.
So, I would say that it's convenient to try and discern what, how and why the others are thinking, but in ways that are meant for learning and not imposing on the other. It's also efficient for relatively accurately discerning whether or not someone is being manipulative, emotive, intellectual or/and other character-related facets of their incarnate being, aside from it being a thoughtful thing to do.
Actually you can't. You can use probabilities within your mind to come to LIKELY things they are thinking. Yet it is not certainty and can be wrong. So one should always operate from such assumptions about another person's thoughts with caution. In general it is not a good idea to tell the other person what they are thinking, or imply that you know what they are thinking. You can react to such probabilities about what you think is likely going on in their mind without conveying that you can see or predict their thought. While your probability of doing so may be high for some people, it also can be wrong, and regardless projecting such ideas can be very counter productive to any discussion.
Obviously, yes, it's a matter of probability. That's implied by the idea of infinite potential. It also implies that everything and anything can happen. Whether or not it does happen in particular contexts and situations that's another thing.
Also, why not tell someone what I think they're thinking? If I were to say it in an arrogant or imposing way, then yeah it'd be an ineptitude on my end. Even if I were to say it like that, if others might be offended or/and would react poorly to that, that is their own problem. Besides, regardless of how it's said, it might make them question their current thought processes, so it might help them in the long run. Bursting people's bubble can help them expand their horizons. If they had a bubble, I mean. If one doesn't have a bubble, then they're naturally expanding on their own.
Anyway, if I were to say it like I usually do, in the sense of adding to the conversation in a meaningful way or/and perhaps make another aware of some of the thoughts they might not be conscious about (assuming I'd be accurate), then it's an entirely different approach. I prefer that people speak their mind, regardless of what their thoughts are.
Because unless you have a lot of interaction with a person so that you know them that well you are being rather presumptive, arrogant, and when it isn't even close to what they are thinking it can be rather annoying that the person has the audacity to assume they know what you are thinking. It is naive, it is arrogant, etc.
Why not ask if they are thinking something rather than telling them what they are thinking? That simple change can make all the difference in the world. One way can make you come across as a knowit all asshole, and the other actually ASKS rather than assuming. Also consider TELLING people what you are thinking and then going off and writing or saying a lot of things based upon that is an incredible waste of time if they were not thinking that at all.
Yep I like to bust the bubbles of people who think it is okay to imply they can read minds. ;)
You can do WHAT you are implying as far as bubbles by ASKING rather than assuming. That's a big part of the socratic method. :) Sure it may slow you down while you wait for an answer, but personally I think that is better than totally misrepresenting someone elses thoughts and going off on some long discussion based upon that misrepresentation.
I did mention that I'm telling them what I "think/interpret" them to be saying, while obviously being open to other alternatives.
In other words, I'm not saying "Hey, you are thinking this and that's that! Don't try to tell me otherwise!". Indeed, that would be arrogant. What I'm saying is "Hey, from what I've seen of you thus far, it seems likely that this is probably what you're thinking in these particular regards. Are you?" Of course, the question and the answer can be expressed vocally or/and more indirectly, through non-verbal means.
Personally, I don't care about how people see me and I'm always myself when interacting with anyone, as I consider honesty to be one of the more advanced forms of genuine, natural respect towards both one's self and others. While some people have been put off by this (which is their freedom, by the way), I've also met people whom I would call genuine companions. However, that was more of a welcome side effect, but making close acquaintances wasn't ever my interest.
Anyway, why wait for an answer to come straight from their mouths? I mean, yeah, they can be honest about their thoughts, but there are also situations where one might either try to be manipulative or/and maybe not know themselves well enough. Regardless of any interpretations' level of accuracy, it's still a nice way to exercise the analytical parts of the mind (whichever level of mind we might be talking about).