What are we thinking (Or are we?)

Thinking is something we take for granted. All day long we are thinking. Sometimes thinking about important things. Other times thinking about something silly. Some say this is what separates us from other animals, our ability to think. But what does “thinking” really mean?

The dictionary definition reads as follows: :”the process of using one's mind to consider or reason about something.” But when many of us think, how often is “reason” involved? We would each like to believe all of our thoughts are rational. But are they really?

When someone we trust or look up to or believe in tells us something we tend to believe it. Usually this occurs without question, because we have elevated said speaker in our own mind to a position of authority. But is this wise? Should we not sometimes question what others say?

“Critical thinking” is a concept that many of us are familiar with, but do we fully understand its meaning and implications? And how many of us practice it?

If we tend to believe without question what someone tells us, even someone we trust, such as a parent or teacher, we are not a critical thinker. A critical thinker questions everything they are told and independently explores its validity. This requires open-mindedness.

If we are not critical thinkers, are we really thinking at all? The word “reason” in the definition implies perhaps not. Is it reasonable to believe what someone says without further examination? Even if they generally agree with your point of view, their words should always be questioned.

The definition of “critical” that applies here reads: “To use careful judgment or analysis.” In today’s social media environment, rife with conflicting information, conjecture and fake news, it is of utmost importance to be a critical thinker. We must question and carefully judge and analyze what we hear, including doing our own research, depending on the importance of the information and how it may affect our lives.

If we do not do this diligently, we risk becoming sheep, being led here and there by whoever we decide to listen to. As critical thinkers we can strive to find our own path to follow, rather than depend on others to show us the way. That is a path to true freedom. The person we should trust the most is ourselves. Now there’s a thought.