Based on reality?

Thinking critically does not necessarily mean finding fault. According to the authors of “The Art of Being Human,” it is using careful analysis to lead to an evaluation. It is an activity of the mind which carefully defines, describes and analyzes something — a speech, an event, a politician’s decision, a newspaper article, a son’s desire for a car of his own. You don’t put any label on the subject or criticize until all of the data is in.

The non-critical thinker takes things literally. His tendency is to jump to conclusions, refusing to be influenced by facts that don’t fit into his preconceived ideas of right and wrong, black and white. He’s fearful of ambiguity. Instead or thinking of ways to creatively solve problems and improve things, he is constantly trying to justify himself at all times and at all costs. How can a democratic nation thrive if inhibited by such types?

What is disconcerting is that in our schools, the trend is away from exercising the mind in creative and critical ways. The education of our youth has become very lopsided in deference to the obsession with improving test scores in math and reading. The “No Child Left Behind” and “Race to the Top” movements of recent years, the increasing emphasis of achievement tests has led to even more compartmentalized training of the logical, symbolic left brains. The intuitive, creative right brain is largely left to fend for itself and unless a child has a very strong will to counteract this, or he lives with people who help make up for the loss, he becomes another victim of the disease of consumerism and conformity. Unfortunately, “Ours is an age which is proud of machines that think and suspicious men who try to.” — H.M. Jones.

When it comes to controversial ideas, questionable practices, persuasive con men (from politician to star-gazer), it helps to ask ourselves a few questions before we decide whether to go along with the ideas of others, disregard them or keep them on hold.           

1. Have I thought through the pros and cons and used my own personal, ethical and moral values as guidelines instead of automatically adopting other people’s views? If I haven’t, do I avoid making decisions one way or the other until I am better informed?

2. Have I done research on the subject, keeping an open mind to new and unusual ideas?

3. Am I for or against this because it meets some misplaced need of mine for security, dependence or acceptance? To be right? Am I looking for someone to cling to who will do my thinking for me?

4. Am I for or against this because of some preconceived notion of mine that has little basis in reality?

5. Do I realize that most people who are out to persuade me to think the way they do (and/or to do what they want) do not really care about me, but are serving their own interest, whether self-aggrandizement, the control of others or profits?

The progress of our nation, if it is to be the sort that benefits us instead of destroying us, depends on those who are able to think deeply, critically and creatively instead of those who blindly follow the choices and beliefs of others. As Richard A. Clarke wrote in “Against All Enemies”: “As Americans, it is up to us to be well-informed and thoughtful, to help our country make the right decisions in this time of testing.”

Since 1984, Dorothy Dimitre has written more than 1,000 columns for various local newspapers. Her email address is gramsd@aceweb.com.