On Thinking
Conspiracy theorists always seem to end their presentations with some variation of this sentiment: “learn to think for yourself”, “wake up!”, “be a free thinker”, “look at what is happening!”, “need for critical thinking”, etc.
Critical thinking…
I venture there are few people today who consider they allow another to do their thinking, and actually resent and ruffle at the mere suggestion, for it is an insult. Given that more of our children (95 percent in 2000) are attending high school and college (between 1995 and 2000, the enrollment of students under age 25 increased by 33 percent), the implication that so many are unable to think seems preposterous. So, exactly what point are the critics trying to make in their pointed attacks on our ability to “think”?
Think , vt. thought, think‘ing [< ME. thenchen, to think, confused with thinchen, to seem < OE. thencan, to think, caus. of thyncan, to seem: for IE. Base see THANK] 1. to form or have in the mind; conceive [thinking good thoughts] 2. to hold in one’s opinion; judge; consider [many think her charming] 3. to believe; surmise; expect out [they think they can come] 4. to determine, resolve, work out, etc. by reasoning [think what your next move should be] 5. [Now Rare] to purpose; intend [thinking to do right] 6. a) to bring to mind; form an idea of [think what the future holds] b) to recall; recollect [think what joy was ours] 7. to have the mind turned steadily toward; have constantly in mind [think success] --vi. 1. to use the mind for arriving at conclusions, making decisions, drawing inferences, etc.; reflect; reason [learn to think] 2. To have an opinion, belief, expectation, etc. [I just think so] 3. To weigh something mentally; reflect [think before you act] 4. to call to mind; recall; remember (with of or about) 5. to have an opinion, judgment, etc. (with of or about) 6. to allow oneself to consider (with of or about) 7. to have regard for; consider the welfare of (with of or about) 8. to discover or invent; conceive (of) -- n. [Colloq.] the act of thinking [give it a good think] --adj. [Slang] having to do with thinking –think (all) the world of to admire or love greatly –think better of 1. to form a more favorable opinion of 2. to make a more sensible or practical decision about, after reconsidering –think fit to regard as proper or appropriate –think little (or nothing) of 1. to attach little (or no) importance, value, etc. to 2. To have little (or no) hesitancy about –think on (or upon) [Archaic] to give thought or consideration to –think out 1. to think about completely or to the end 2. to work out, solve, discover, or plan by thinking –think out loud to speak one’s thoughts as they occur; also think aloud –think over to give thought to; ponder well, as for reconsideration --think through to think about until one reaches a conclusion or resolution –think twice to reconsider; pause to think about again –think up to invent, contrive, plan, etc. by thinking –think‘er n.
SYN. –think is the general word meaning to exercise the mental faculties so as to form ideas, arrive at conclusions, etc. [learn to think clearly]; reason implies a logical sequence of thought, starting with what is known or assumed and advancing to a definite conclusion through the inferences drawn [he reasoned that she would accept]; cogitate is used, sometimes humorously, of a person who is, or appears to be, thinking hard [I was cogitating, not daydreaming]; reflect implies a turning of one’s thoughts on or back on a subject and connotes deep or quiet continued thought [he reflected on the day’s events]; speculate implies a reasoning on the basis of incomplete or uncertain evidence and therefore stresses the conjectural character of the opinions formed [to speculate on the possibility of life on Mars]; deliberate implies careful and thorough consideration of a matter in order to arrive at a conclusion [the jury deliberated on the case].
As you can see, thinking connotes several meanings, several implying the expression of opinion. Arguably, if one is expressing an opinion, what is meant by another’s insinuation that the former has exercised no free thought? Can it truly be known when one is practicing critical thinking or thinking for themselves? Is there a measure or some quantifier? What is the reason for criticism and how has it come to be determined?
I think the answer can be found in the last question: “what is the reason…?” One of the synonyms for think is reason which “implies a logical sequence of thought, starting with what is known or assumed and advancing to a definite conclusion through the inferences drawn.” Perhaps the critics have come to the conclusion that many are not free thinkers because when questioned about their expressed opinions, the latter are at a loss to offer any reasons that would indicate how they came to hold such an opinion.
My learning has taught me that a real stumbling block to understanding is failure to know what assumptions have been brought to bear in the forming of an opinion, for as the given definition for reason suggests, many conclusions are reached by starting with an unexpressed set of assumptions. Perhaps in a bygone era this was less of a problem as a majority shared the same set of assumptions, but sadly, this is no longer the case.
Many of the assumptions that shape my opinions and ideas are the result of learning and implementing Judeo-Christian beliefs, coupled with more recent exposure to ideas related to Tolstoyism, Christian Anarchy, and Libertarianism. While I would say that I agree with most of the ideas postulated by each of these philosophies, truth is I am more comfortable with some than others; some being foundational in my thinking while others remain simply good ideas.
I have not always understood the critics’ rants, in the past, having been one to quickly argue that all of my opinions were the result of my own thinking. And at this point, I had two options: 1) I could remain arrogant and stupid or, 2) I could begin to give serious questioning and consideration to what the critics said. I hope that it is obvious which path I chose.
One slogan my children, and I, learned from their church Youth Group was “Not Your Mama’s Religion”. I have only now learned that it is a movement and has its own website. Initially, I resented the implication but emotion gave way to reason as I reflected on how the beliefs instilled in me as a child had been distilled over time to now include those I no longer believe, those I still believe, and those I have expanded to encompass new beliefs. And, as my children gave daily evidence that they were rational creatures able to reason, I had to concede that they must be allowed to shape their beliefs just as I had.
This was not an easily arrived at decision, convinced as I was that I “possessed” truth. O, I have been on a journey of repentance for years as my eyes have been opened to many truths which have altered much of my thinking. However, then, my religious consciousness had not yet been exposed to the radical (humbling) knowledge I hold today and I was proud that I had taught my children everything I (now no longer) believe.
I do not consider that my children are asleep and need to “wake up!” Being homeschooled, my children do not voice the mindless rhetoric doled out in the public schools. No, they respond and react to – accepting or rejecting – the rhetoric of the Conservative Religious Right that they were taught by their mother. Regardless, was either not indoctrination, and not truly a teaching/learning of how to think rather than what to think?
Watching my children try to process some of the new ideas I now present them with allows me to speculate on what I think we are seeing in the wider American culture. When presented with a new idea, we have (at least) two options: 1) remain arrogant and stupid or, 2) begin to give serious questioning and consideration to this new idea. I am willing to be more patient, realizing that my own journey to truth has spanned my entire adult life, taking more time than I could have ever imagined, and would certainly have not given consent or taken an oath (if required), had I known. Seeking truth is intrusive… disruptive… consuming… addicting… isolating… freeing…
Therefore, I resist resorting to labeling and name-calling, and cringe when I witness others who do. (Forgiveness 101). Jesus attacked the Pharisees, whom He knew would never change, but He used a different approach when addressing His followers. He was patient, calm, told stories to assist understanding; encouraging, not disparaging.
I wish that acceptance of new ideas would happen more quickly, for myself and others. But logically, when I look at my own experience I know this is the way it must be. And rightly so, because to exercise free, critical thinking requires time… And if critics would have free thinkers, then they have to allow them time to work through the reasoning process. Often, it actually may already be happening unbeknownst and unseen by the critics.
Time to research the background of a new idea: Define it. Facts? How is it used? What are its implications? What are the benefits? What are the dangers? As John Stossel would say: Risk Assessment. Time to consider a new idea in light of deep, strongly-held foundational beliefs, and looser-held attitudes, assumptions, and opinions: Does it mesh? What are the controversies? Is it believable? What shifts are required in my foundational beliefs? Can I accept those shifts? What assumptions am I holding? What compromises may be required?
Life keeps us busy and most of us don’t have the time or inclination to devote to such an undertaking. To be a truth seeker demands that you give up time spent caring for loved ones, enjoying their company and recreation; widening the gap, reducing the sharing of commonly held interests and ideas, isolating you from the familial intimacy. For many this is too great a sacrifice. The short, quick response is “No”. But a well thought out response could also include, “Not now.” “I don’t have the time, right now.” “I have given it consideration, and it’s just not something I am interested in, right now.” “I don’t see the relevance, or importance of it, just now.”
My sense is that those who are choosing to remain arrogant and stupid comprise a small minority. I think that for many more people it is the tendency to say “No” when confronted with any new or overwhelming situation or idea. It is natural to reject new ideas for the change they may elicit or because of the initial threat they seem to be to our lifestyle and welfare. But a spoken “No” isn’t always an all-out rejection. After all, the idea, taken in through the eyes or the ears, is now planted within the brain where it will begin to take root. It may lie fallow in the seeming mire of brain matter for way too long to be of any value and then suddenly this one idea now sprouts another. And as ideas grow and take shape, perhaps they will entwine other ideas that have gone unnoticed or untended.
I first experienced this through the process of a painful divorce, having to accept realities that seemed beyond my comprehension. Teaching my children, I saw this very thing happen over and over again. I quickly learned that, as the Bible teaches, the spoken word is very powerful. I waste no time in speaking words and ideas to whomever is within my hearing and then I waste no time worrying, assured that the idea has been planted and, eventually, it may take root. If there is truth in the words that have been planted, it will grow.
Critical thinking…
I venture there are few people today who consider they allow another to do their thinking, and actually resent and ruffle at the mere suggestion, for it is an insult. Given that more of our children (95 percent in 2000) are attending high school and college (between 1995 and 2000, the enrollment of students under age 25 increased by 33 percent), the implication that so many are unable to think seems preposterous. So, exactly what point are the critics trying to make in their pointed attacks on our ability to “think”?
Think , vt. thought, think‘ing [< ME. thenchen, to think, confused with thinchen, to seem < OE. thencan, to think, caus. of thyncan, to seem: for IE. Base see THANK] 1. to form or have in the mind; conceive [thinking good thoughts] 2. to hold in one’s opinion; judge; consider [many think her charming] 3. to believe; surmise; expect out [they think they can come] 4. to determine, resolve, work out, etc. by reasoning [think what your next move should be] 5. [Now Rare] to purpose; intend [thinking to do right] 6. a) to bring to mind; form an idea of [think what the future holds] b) to recall; recollect [think what joy was ours] 7. to have the mind turned steadily toward; have constantly in mind [think success] --vi. 1. to use the mind for arriving at conclusions, making decisions, drawing inferences, etc.; reflect; reason [learn to think] 2. To have an opinion, belief, expectation, etc. [I just think so] 3. To weigh something mentally; reflect [think before you act] 4. to call to mind; recall; remember (with of or about) 5. to have an opinion, judgment, etc. (with of or about) 6. to allow oneself to consider (with of or about) 7. to have regard for; consider the welfare of (with of or about) 8. to discover or invent; conceive (of) -- n. [Colloq.] the act of thinking [give it a good think] --adj. [Slang] having to do with thinking –think (all) the world of to admire or love greatly –think better of 1. to form a more favorable opinion of 2. to make a more sensible or practical decision about, after reconsidering –think fit to regard as proper or appropriate –think little (or nothing) of 1. to attach little (or no) importance, value, etc. to 2. To have little (or no) hesitancy about –think on (or upon) [Archaic] to give thought or consideration to –think out 1. to think about completely or to the end 2. to work out, solve, discover, or plan by thinking –think out loud to speak one’s thoughts as they occur; also think aloud –think over to give thought to; ponder well, as for reconsideration --think through to think about until one reaches a conclusion or resolution –think twice to reconsider; pause to think about again –think up to invent, contrive, plan, etc. by thinking –think‘er n.
SYN. –think is the general word meaning to exercise the mental faculties so as to form ideas, arrive at conclusions, etc. [learn to think clearly]; reason implies a logical sequence of thought, starting with what is known or assumed and advancing to a definite conclusion through the inferences drawn [he reasoned that she would accept]; cogitate is used, sometimes humorously, of a person who is, or appears to be, thinking hard [I was cogitating, not daydreaming]; reflect implies a turning of one’s thoughts on or back on a subject and connotes deep or quiet continued thought [he reflected on the day’s events]; speculate implies a reasoning on the basis of incomplete or uncertain evidence and therefore stresses the conjectural character of the opinions formed [to speculate on the possibility of life on Mars]; deliberate implies careful and thorough consideration of a matter in order to arrive at a conclusion [the jury deliberated on the case].
As you can see, thinking connotes several meanings, several implying the expression of opinion. Arguably, if one is expressing an opinion, what is meant by another’s insinuation that the former has exercised no free thought? Can it truly be known when one is practicing critical thinking or thinking for themselves? Is there a measure or some quantifier? What is the reason for criticism and how has it come to be determined?
I think the answer can be found in the last question: “what is the reason…?” One of the synonyms for think is reason which “implies a logical sequence of thought, starting with what is known or assumed and advancing to a definite conclusion through the inferences drawn.” Perhaps the critics have come to the conclusion that many are not free thinkers because when questioned about their expressed opinions, the latter are at a loss to offer any reasons that would indicate how they came to hold such an opinion.
My learning has taught me that a real stumbling block to understanding is failure to know what assumptions have been brought to bear in the forming of an opinion, for as the given definition for reason suggests, many conclusions are reached by starting with an unexpressed set of assumptions. Perhaps in a bygone era this was less of a problem as a majority shared the same set of assumptions, but sadly, this is no longer the case.
Many of the assumptions that shape my opinions and ideas are the result of learning and implementing Judeo-Christian beliefs, coupled with more recent exposure to ideas related to Tolstoyism, Christian Anarchy, and Libertarianism. While I would say that I agree with most of the ideas postulated by each of these philosophies, truth is I am more comfortable with some than others; some being foundational in my thinking while others remain simply good ideas.
I have not always understood the critics’ rants, in the past, having been one to quickly argue that all of my opinions were the result of my own thinking. And at this point, I had two options: 1) I could remain arrogant and stupid or, 2) I could begin to give serious questioning and consideration to what the critics said. I hope that it is obvious which path I chose.
One slogan my children, and I, learned from their church Youth Group was “Not Your Mama’s Religion”. I have only now learned that it is a movement and has its own website. Initially, I resented the implication but emotion gave way to reason as I reflected on how the beliefs instilled in me as a child had been distilled over time to now include those I no longer believe, those I still believe, and those I have expanded to encompass new beliefs. And, as my children gave daily evidence that they were rational creatures able to reason, I had to concede that they must be allowed to shape their beliefs just as I had.
This was not an easily arrived at decision, convinced as I was that I “possessed” truth. O, I have been on a journey of repentance for years as my eyes have been opened to many truths which have altered much of my thinking. However, then, my religious consciousness had not yet been exposed to the radical (humbling) knowledge I hold today and I was proud that I had taught my children everything I (now no longer) believe.
I do not consider that my children are asleep and need to “wake up!” Being homeschooled, my children do not voice the mindless rhetoric doled out in the public schools. No, they respond and react to – accepting or rejecting – the rhetoric of the Conservative Religious Right that they were taught by their mother. Regardless, was either not indoctrination, and not truly a teaching/learning of how to think rather than what to think?
Watching my children try to process some of the new ideas I now present them with allows me to speculate on what I think we are seeing in the wider American culture. When presented with a new idea, we have (at least) two options: 1) remain arrogant and stupid or, 2) begin to give serious questioning and consideration to this new idea. I am willing to be more patient, realizing that my own journey to truth has spanned my entire adult life, taking more time than I could have ever imagined, and would certainly have not given consent or taken an oath (if required), had I known. Seeking truth is intrusive… disruptive… consuming… addicting… isolating… freeing…
Therefore, I resist resorting to labeling and name-calling, and cringe when I witness others who do. (Forgiveness 101). Jesus attacked the Pharisees, whom He knew would never change, but He used a different approach when addressing His followers. He was patient, calm, told stories to assist understanding; encouraging, not disparaging.
I wish that acceptance of new ideas would happen more quickly, for myself and others. But logically, when I look at my own experience I know this is the way it must be. And rightly so, because to exercise free, critical thinking requires time… And if critics would have free thinkers, then they have to allow them time to work through the reasoning process. Often, it actually may already be happening unbeknownst and unseen by the critics.
Time to research the background of a new idea: Define it. Facts? How is it used? What are its implications? What are the benefits? What are the dangers? As John Stossel would say: Risk Assessment. Time to consider a new idea in light of deep, strongly-held foundational beliefs, and looser-held attitudes, assumptions, and opinions: Does it mesh? What are the controversies? Is it believable? What shifts are required in my foundational beliefs? Can I accept those shifts? What assumptions am I holding? What compromises may be required?
Life keeps us busy and most of us don’t have the time or inclination to devote to such an undertaking. To be a truth seeker demands that you give up time spent caring for loved ones, enjoying their company and recreation; widening the gap, reducing the sharing of commonly held interests and ideas, isolating you from the familial intimacy. For many this is too great a sacrifice. The short, quick response is “No”. But a well thought out response could also include, “Not now.” “I don’t have the time, right now.” “I have given it consideration, and it’s just not something I am interested in, right now.” “I don’t see the relevance, or importance of it, just now.”
My sense is that those who are choosing to remain arrogant and stupid comprise a small minority. I think that for many more people it is the tendency to say “No” when confronted with any new or overwhelming situation or idea. It is natural to reject new ideas for the change they may elicit or because of the initial threat they seem to be to our lifestyle and welfare. But a spoken “No” isn’t always an all-out rejection. After all, the idea, taken in through the eyes or the ears, is now planted within the brain where it will begin to take root. It may lie fallow in the seeming mire of brain matter for way too long to be of any value and then suddenly this one idea now sprouts another. And as ideas grow and take shape, perhaps they will entwine other ideas that have gone unnoticed or untended.
I first experienced this through the process of a painful divorce, having to accept realities that seemed beyond my comprehension. Teaching my children, I saw this very thing happen over and over again. I quickly learned that, as the Bible teaches, the spoken word is very powerful. I waste no time in speaking words and ideas to whomever is within my hearing and then I waste no time worrying, assured that the idea has been planted and, eventually, it may take root. If there is truth in the words that have been planted, it will grow.
Views: 10
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Founder Comment by Cyprium on September 30, 2010 at 6:19pm -
Nice post Deborah...
I think it points out two things that i have really had an issue with...the application of Reason..not just thought...and patience with people and their inability or perceived slow ability to wrestle with new ideas.
I've Thought i've wanted people to think..but they do think...and they normally do so, as you say, based upon assumptions they don't question or have an answer for if they did. Really...it's a matter or reason, since thought can go on with or without it. In fact, not just reasoning..but reasoning with reasons backed by reason..lol. I really am interested in people having evidences and answers for all that they Think is true...not even necessarily evidences and answers to supply to other's questions..but simply to answer them for themselves as a habitual process of thinking.
As for patience..i've got to commend you for yours. What begins to discourage me in the process of "sowing" seed is an inability to see an increase and a harvest at times. It comes down to my own impatience...i want to know some good is getting done..i want to know it now. The fact is...seeds take time as well as good soil to germinate...they require a little fertilization sometimes..sunlight, rain...things i won't be there to provide myself, but that He can use others for in the long run to the end that there might be an increase and a harvest.
"I wish that acceptance of new ideas would happen more quickly, for myself and others. But logically, when I look at my own experience I know this is the way it must be. And rightly so, because to exercise free, critical thinking requires time… And if critics would have free thinkers, then they have to allow them time to work through the reasoning process. Often, it actually may already be happening unbeknownst and unseen by the critics."
Before i came to follow Messiah i was really quite a short fuse with not much tolerance for much of anything. He's mercifully been good to me in teaching me to have compassion, yet getting that gift of great patience can still elude me when it seems that the very targets of my concern just don't care to know or know to care. I do need reminded at times..probably often...that every person who now has certain types of less accepted knowledge, at one time did not and it took each of them as long as it did to get where they are. Aside from that..none of us have reached the "end" of learning and we're all just kids next to Him.
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Comment by Deborah on October 1, 2010 at 2:01pm
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I've Thought i've wanted people to think..but they do think...and they normally do so, as you say, based upon assumptions they don't question or have an answer for if they did. Really...it's a matter or reason, since thought can go on with or without it. In fact, not just reasoning..but reasoning with reasons backed by reason..lol. I really am interested in people having evidences and answers for all that they Think is true...not even necessarily evidences and answers to supply to other's questions..but simply to answer them for themselves as a habitual process of thinking.'>>
Yes, I especially agree with your comment about having reasons "simply to answer...for themselves..." It was as I began to put reason with a particular opinion or thought that I also began to understand the difference between opinion or an idea that simply resonated with me and beliefs I held with strong conviction that really were shaping my decisions.
Until I understood this, new ideas were seen as threats because I really didn't know how to judge them. And many of the ideas, especially religious, I held as my own were really only ideas I assumed as being the "right" ones, even though I saw the evidence of contradiction between the idea and God's Word.
I didn't want to be seen as wrong. I still don't - and I often fear I am on the wrong side, in the wrong place, etc. - but as I try to be live more consciously I am forced to give serious consideration to what I say I believe, and be willing to question "why". The result is a two-fold benefit: 1) my faith is strengthened as I am able to know "why" and 2) it offers a stronger witness to others, either as an affirmation of their own beliefs, or a challenge to do their own study, or, together, sharpen our beliefs: "iron sharpening iron".
There are still opinions and ideas that are so averse to my assumptions and beliefs and I don't know how or what to think about them, but God has a way of putting within our path what He wants us to learn, and when.
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Founder Comment by Cyprium on October 4, 2010 at 7:06pm -
Perhaps talking to one's self is a classic sign of supposed ill mental health..but can't we all really benefit from self debate sometimes? Forcing ourselves to answer our own questions with the ability to really gauge with accuracy the honesty with which the answers come can be a very helpful mental exercise in my opinion. Maybe that's not something to get in the habit of doing out loud....but still, who says talking to ourselves has to be a sign of craziness? :)
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