Critical Thinking




 

 

I read a quote on social media the other day that said, “I hope that this will be the year we make room for healthy discussions instead of eating each other alive at the first sign of an opposing opinion.”

The greatest thing about being a human being besides the ability to love is to question things, express thoughts and opinions and change our minds and beliefs. I never plan to stop growing and learning with the goal to go out and be the best possible version of myself.

We are all complex humans with myriad ways of approaching the world and the people we interact with daily. I do not know if it is because election year has turned into election years with non-stop bickering between Republican and Democrat that it seems “we the people” have become enemies of each other. There seems to be no middle ground between left and right. But, I find in reality that is a myth perpetuated by the national media and most definitely by social media. There is plenty of middle ground where I feel many of us could unite, but I fear people are too afraid to have conversations that could lead us there.

It has become very scary and even dangerous to discuss ideas lest one be “cancelled” or “labeled” left or right, right or wrong, not just amongst strangers but friends, colleagues or family. I happen to be a very middleof the-road type person on most things. I love a healthy debate that does not get heated. I actually enjoy hearing all sides to an argument, but it so seldom happens anymore. I am not the type of person who will get up in your face or computer screen about an issue. Desmond Tutu said his father told him, “Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument.” Most often I can see both the pros and the cons for an issue and enjoy greatly hearing different perspectives and viewpoints.

You do not hear a lot about critical thinking these days. The critical thinking process helps us take an idea and examine it to make sure we are being told the whole story. Critical thinking also helps us evaluate an idea to make sure it is not just the power, influence or storytelling skills of the person with the idea persuading us to believe something that isn’t logical.

Independent thought requires work and effort, but the payoff is worth it.

I am challenging myself to have more meaningful conversations this year. I hope you will join me. Here is to a year with bright and fresh ideas and a bevy of friends, family, colleagues and strangers to share them with freely.

NOEL WILKERSON HOLMES is the Publisher and Managing Editor of the Pleasanton Express. You may reach her at nwilkersonholmes@pleasantonexpress.com.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *