Psy Ops emphasizes the importance of unconventional thinking, encouraging individuals to stretch their imagination to new extremes. The goal is to develop ideas that are so original and bold that they challenge the boundaries of what is perceived as reality. This approach seeks to transcend mundane understanding and delve into the realm of the extraordinary, where perception and dream intersect.

In Denis Johnson's "Tree of Smoke," this concept is explored through the lens of psychological operations that require a creative mindset. By operating on the cutting edge of reality, Psy Ops aims to inspire innovative strategies that can influence perceptions and behaviors, blurring the lines between what is real and what is idealized or imagined.