When Did we Lose our Capacity to Think Critically?

When I was in grade school, my teachers were amazing. They cared – they knew us and our family – and they wanted each of us to know what it was to be a part of something bigger as well as honour our unique abilities and gifts. I loved, respected and honoured those teachers (most of us did).

As I entered High School, it seemed similar in a lot of ways regarding teaching methodology, encouragement and individual vs. the collective. We were guided to ask questions, to form opinions and to be kind and respectful to teachers as well as the other students.

Then came College and University. I feel like I hit a cultural & learning wall. I remember one Political Science professor giving us ‘his take’ on processes & policies, etc. It was an essay course. On the first essay, we were asked to argue our perspective and ideas and back them up with proof. I offered a differing opinion from the one I was taught/given in the course. I got a C on my paper. Hmmm. The reasoning he gave me for the low mark didn’t ‘add up’ in my head. Something was off.

On the next essay, I wrote a paper agreeing with the opinions and ideas of the Professor, outlining his ‘back-up’ as my proof. I got an A on that essay. Wow – isn’t that interesting?  So, I learned that to get the marks I wanted, I should probably follow the crowd, regurgitate what I had been taught & shut down my critical thinking.  That got me through my bachelor’s degree in psychology & political science with pretty good marks. Lesson learned.

Now, I’m not saying my experience in ‘higher education’ was the normal practice or similar to anyone else’s -but, in my case & in my understanding – I learned to stay in line, leave most of my critical thinking behind – not question the ‘officials’ – go along to get along.  This ideology has followed me through much of my life. Unfortunately, I believe that lesson taught me there’s a danger to question things – a personal danger to stand in my power.

So, I ask you now – do you question everything? Do you question authority? Do you believe everything you’ve been taught? Do you allow yourself to think outside the box? Do you dare disagree with those in power? If you hear it on the TV, is it automatically true?

Why is it frowned upon to ask questions? Why are people shamed or blamed for wanting more information on any topic that doesn’t sit right with them?

We were ALL given the gifts of discernment, intuition, gut reactions, etc. to help us navigate the ups and downs in life. We were given the ability to think for ourselves. We were given access to a world of information to help us understand what is happening so that it makes sense to our beliefs, insights and intelligence. It needs to ‘feel’ right for us to be in alignment with our hearts and souls. I think we have an obligation to ourselves, to our journey and to humanity itself, to research, ask questions and follow up on things we don’t agree with.

Anyone or anything that takes that middle step away from us is trying to drive an agenda or carry a narrative that potentially isn’t always right or in our highest good. There is almost always a money trail to follow – don’t be afraid to see where it leads. Titles and degrees do not equate to intelligence, wisdom, knowledge or the common good.

Truth can withstand scrutiny and questioning.

Question everything. Take your power back. Don’t be bullied. Don’t let your voice go unheard. Don’t sit down just because someone thinks they know more than you or knows better than you – only YOU know what is right for you.