“Because I said so,” is probably one of the worst responses to a question that can be given to another person. Such a phrase shuts down open dialogue about a particular subject and takes away any potential clarity that could help the listener better understand how a particular conclusion or decision was derived. On a deeper level, a person’s ability to critically think is slowly being eroded.  

What is critical thinking?

According to The Foundation of Critical Thinking, critical thinking can be defined as “the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.”

When we don’t actively engage others in dialogue that promotes the active and skillful processing of information to make an informed decision, we’re condoning mindless, thoughtless, and passive acceptance of information. This can prove to be dangerous to a person, relationship, church, business, or any other institution over time.

Whether in familial, educational, professional or religious environments, we must continue to ask substantive questions that will help us better understand why we believe what we believe, why we do what we do, and why we want what we want. We should always be able to defend what we stand for.

Why is critical thinking important?

Critical thinking is the hallmark of invention, creativity, and progress. When people are encouraged (and allowed) to think critically it’s the difference between seeing in vivid colors and seeing in black and white; being a trailblazer and being led through life; or being free to curiously explore options and being limited and marginalized only accepting what is presented.

Critically thinking makes us all better together and it holds us all responsible for the well-being of others. What do you think?

Photo by Hadi Slash from Pexels