Writing ... make you a better thinker?

[Maulik]

as I'm watching Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, for some reason I am thinking does writing about something, music or movies help you grow as a thinker. Analytically, I think it may help to spur some thought processes which if you are not in the profession of writing are not accustomed to using. Not just in reference to becoming a better writer but more so in regard to the thought process...Any thoughts?