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“There is nothing more uncommon than common sense” Frank Lloyd Wright

The purpose of these six articles is to provide an overview of how to think critically. There are several more articles are selected excerpts from my latest book–The Re-Discovery of Common Sense which has been just released in early August!

This article is taken from the introduction of the book. Enjoy!

Critical thinking is an art. Like all art, the strength of the work depends on the skills of the artist. You will become the artist who uses critical thinking as a creative palette to accomplish what you strive for.

Our Most Powerful Strength!

Our ability to critically think is the most powerful strength that we possess. It has allowed us human beings to leave the protection of natural caves, to design and build homes, to make complex infrastructures and teach our young. We create beautiful artwork and write countless novels. We have the printing press, the telescope and the microchip. We build astounding land, air and sea vehicles. The quality of life we humans experience as a group exists in direct proportion to our brain power and how we use it.

Much thinking that people do is disorganized, biased, not thought through or forward looking, and hurried. In the absence of experience, reasoning, confidence and education (both formal and informal), people use feelings and intuition as guides to decision making. This often leads to flawed decisions and unwanted consequences in life. Feelings and intuition are critical parts of the thinking process. However, they must to be backed up with knowledge, experience and wisdom.

What are Critical Thinking Skills?

There are many definitions to critical thinking. Thats to be expected. Critical thinking encompasses much of what we do when using our brains.

Words like: reasoning, interpreting, observation and more are used to describe critical thinking. Phrases are also used. Some examples are: rational thinking, focused thinking, cognitive process, reflective thought and informed opinions. Other phrases such as: analyzing and evaluating information to derive a judgment are also used.

These are all good and descriptive words and phrases for critical thinking. However, lets ask the $100,000 question:

What useful things will critical thinking do for you?

There are three answers to that question.

1. To make informed decisionsMaking informed decisions is essential in your life. You have to decide on everything from where to have tomorrows lunch, to what career to pursue. The more you are able to tap into your experiences and knowledge the better your decisions are.

2. To understandYour ability to comprehend is another essential element in your life. You are exposed to a wide array of information on television, the Internet books, magazines and people.

Understanding leads to opinions and decision making. For example, by reading about, and comprehending the positions of two political opponents you are better equipped to make an informed decision on how to vote.

3. To create, invent and discoverThe ability to create, invent, and discover are human traits that exist in all of us. We create beautiful art, writing, music and more. We invent things like the light bulb, the computer and rockets. We discover things like E= MC2, penicillin, and DNA.

The ability to create, invent and discover all require decision making. It is an integral part of each process. There are decisions in choosing a project to pursue. Whatever you pursue there are decisions along the path.

Decision making is the common thread that weaves through the most useful things critical thinking will do for you. That is why critical thinking is defined as:

The ability to make and carry out informed decisions by efficiently utilizing your lifetime knowledge, experience, common sense, reasoning, intuition, feelings, and confidence.

Critical thinking requires the use of self-discipline and self-examination. The rewards are great freedom and the ability to complete projects, achieve objectives and answer questions with confidence. When you take charge of your mind using critical thinking and make sound decisions, you take charge of your life!

Critical thinking is a skill. It will be strengthened by anyone willing to stretch and grow. The brain acts like a muscle. If used, it strengthens. If shunned, it withers.

Why You Need Critical Thinking Skills

Today there is a lack of critical thinking skills in the workplace and in personal lives. Many people dont know how to critically think effectively even though they are capable of becoming strong critical thinkers. Guidance, patience and practice are needed to learn how.

Critical thinking skills are not prevalent in our society simply because we dont teach them enough. Here is what our learning institutions are doing to teach critical thinking skills.

Americas Universities

The United States has many of the finest universities in the world. Some of them emphasize and teach critical thinking skills. Unfortunately, many dont. This is evident because too many students attending are not learning the thinking skills they need to be successful.

The American Institute for Research published a new study in January of 2006. It reports that:

More than 75% of students at two year colleges and more than 50% of students at four year colleges cant read or write well. As examples of this, the report states that these students cant effectively:

Compare credit card offers with different interest rates
Summarize the arguments of newspaper editorials

It also states that at least 20% of college graduates completing four year degrees, and 30% of students earning two year degrees, have only basic quantitative and literacy skills. These individuals:

Are unable to estimate if their car will make it to the next gas station
Calculate the total cost of ordering office supplies 1

Yet, they are still able to do these things better than the general adult population.

Where Do We Go From Here?

People can learn critical thinking skills on their own through trial and error. However, trial and error takes much longer than if properly taught and coached.

It is painfully clear that most people are not taught critical thinking skills in a formal manner, or for that matter, in any manner. Critical thinking skills can be learned at any age though good books and from informed teachers, coaches, mentors and parents who care. The younger the students, the better, however, we all need these skills. To help fill the void, this book has been created.

Knowledge, Experience, Common Sense and Critical Thinking

There are three elements to becoming a powerful thinker. Each is important. Together they are an unstoppable combination.

Knowledge

This includes what you learn from books, teachers, parents, coaches, and mentors. Classes, lectures, discussions and self-study give you much of the knowledge you need to be successful.

Experience

There is no replacement for experience in life. As important as knowledge is, it cant by itself prepare you for the challenges faced in the real world.

Completing tasks are part of your existence. They are always different than what you have been taught through books, lectures and other sources. Experience allows you to gain a deeper understanding and confidence in yourself and your approach to new tasks.

Common sense

Common sense is the glue that binds knowledge and experience together. Common sense helps strengthen reasoning, intuition, feelings and confidence. It helps you become a powerful thinker who is able to use the full potential of your critical thinking skills.

1 From the American Institute for Research New study of college students finds some are graduating with only basic skills. January 19, 2006.

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Tags: , , Leadership, Inspiration, Management, Organizational Culture //