Critical thinking has long been seen as the solution to our tendency to self-deception and a flawed thought process and regularly comes top of any list of essential life skills, but it is hard to know what it means when people use the term.
This article shares 26 quotes on critical thinking, with some reflections, in the hope that it brings the reader one step closer to understanding it more fully.
Some key points covered include the need to continually test ideas and beliefs with scrutiny and evidence to improve thinking and decision-making skills and to avoid indoctrination.
The mindsets of both unintelligent and intelligent people can lead them to being easily misled, with the former by others and the latter by themselves.
Critical thinking is more than simply acquiring knowledge and skills; it is also about applying them in a meaningful way.
Furthermore, whilst having an open mind is generally viewed as a positive characteristic, it leaves one vulnerable to influence and persuasion by others.
The real challenge is not to think critically but to think independently.
It is important to come to one’s own conclusions and adopt attitudes that can help one navigate in the direction of the truth.