Monday, 08 April 2024 | in Guest Column
GUEST COLUMN
Manisha Dhami
In a world inundated with information and opinions, the ability to question and think critically emerges as a paramount life skill, transcending the boundaries of academic excellence. The spiritual guru, Sadhguru, effectively encapsulates this idea in his insightful statement. “When your mind is full of assumptions, conclusions and beliefs, it has no penetration, it just repeats past impressions.”
Critical thinking, is the ability to analyse and evaluate information objectively, is not merely an academic pursuit but a crucial facet of human development. It forms the foundation of independent thinking, a skill that should be cultivated from early childhood to foster the development of autonomous minds. “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing,” said renowned physicist Albert Einstein. This statement underscores the necessity of fostering a questioning mindset, as it challenges the status quo and fuels progress. Without questioning, we risk becoming passive recipients of knowledge, merely learning what to think instead of honing the invaluable skill of how to think.
One should consider education as the catalyst for cultivating critical thinking. The ultimate goal should not be the accumulation of facts and figures but the development of minds capable of discerning between knowledge and ignorance. As Einstein emphasised, “An education isn’t how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It’s being able to differentiate between what you know and what you don’t.” Critical thinking extends its influence into various domains, from selecting leaders in politics, personal decisions to making informed decisions influenced by advertisements. In politics, it guides leaders to base policies on rigorous analysis rather than populist trends. In personal life, it aids in making informed choices about relationships and major decisions. Additionally, critical thinking can resist the allure of flashy advertisements and make informed choices rather than succumbing to manipulative tactics.
To foster critical thinking skills, individuals can employ various strategies. One effective approach is questioning assumptions, encouraging an open-minded exploration of different perspectives. Engaging with diverse opinions through discussions with people holding contrasting views can broaden understanding and challenge preconceived notions. Participating in problem-solving exercises, from puzzles to real-world scenarios, helps develop logical reasoning and analytical skills. Regular reflective practices enable individuals to scrutinise their thoughts and decisions, facilitating a deeper understanding of their reasoning and identifying areas for improvement. Actively participating in debates and discussions not only sharpens critical thinking but also enhances communication abilities by challenging and defending ideas. These diverse strategies collectively contribute to the cultivation of robust critical thinking skills.
Learning shouldn’t just be about remembering facts; it should focus on applying knowledge (applicatory) and thinking carefully (reflective). This is crucial in the 21st century, where information is changing and multiplying in a fraction of a second. Critical thinking can act as a guide, helping us make sense of the complicated information in our fast-changing world. When we encourage curiosity from an early age, we help people approach problems with an open mind. This builds a society that cares not only about what we already know but also about always trying to discover new things through thinking.
(The author is an assistant professor, department of human development and family studies in MS University of Baroda. Views expressed are personal)
