A topic that didn’t particularly interest me in elementary school (surprise, surprise) is something that I am looking more and more into. Below are just a few excerpts from the book as I will have to give it another read to fully comprehend the lessons it offers.
1. Curiosity
Asking questions, not being satisfied with easy solutions and seeking more knowledge is the tripod of curious people. Leave acceptance aside and invest in curiosity.
2. Understanding
Understanding the full picture of a problem is important to becoming a critical thinker. If you focus only on one small aspect, you may not be able to ponder it effectively.
3. Logic
Start stimulating your logical thinking with mind-defying exercises. Do Sudoku, crossword puzzles and reasoning challenges. Once you work on these three characteristics, it is possible for critical thinking to come to your mind more easily. But never forget that critical thinking is a time-consuming exercise and requires dedication.
- Try to keep an open mind
- Try to train empathy
- Actively participate in debates
- Analyze texts and videos
- Avoid bandwagon and underdog effects
- Question stereotypes
- Search and compare contradictory elements
- Research and train
- Learn to separate information from what it causes you
- Try to listen to your intuition
- Practice balanced thinking
- Exercise mental and emotional moderation
- Practice situational awareness
- Exercise and promote disciplined, effective and efficient thinking
- Express an enriched emotional intelligence
- Focus on goals, not obstacles