Critical Thinking
So much of university up until this point has been focused on critical thinking. Questioning this, questioning that, discussing weaknesses in arguments, writing, etc., shutting things down because of those weaknesses and just being critical in general. Critical thinking is a necessary component of a majority of learning that goes on at university, but I'm not all that sure that I like it. Let me explain.
When I read or look at something, my first instinct is not to criticize or to tear apart, but to look for the good or the simple truths instead. For those of you who had asked me to edit something of yours, this is a different matter. Editing is a matter of helping to build up something. Critical analysis generally tears something down and attempts to drag it in the other direction. Critical thinking never was my strong suit.
Is this necessary skill a reflection on our society? Have we come to a point where success is dependent on the weakness of something else? And what does this say about the human condition? Why do we feel the need to learn actual skills that are aimed at essentially criticizing and turning around a perspective or opinion? To me this is more a negative thing then anything else.
As a kid I fully remember observing this about myself: I really didn't criticize much. I would watch a movie or listen to a band and even if I didn't like it much, I would still find something good about it. I recognized this in myself and observed others in their reflections upon entertainment and other such simple things. I realized I never criticized anything, and thinking that to be strange and just abnormal, I did my best to criticize now and again.
Being a young adult and knowing a fair bit more about the world now than I did then, I find myself backpedaling, despite the skills required from my schoolwork. The world could do with a whole lot less negativity, and if that means that I applaud even the tiniest aspect of something rather than tearing it down, then I think I'm doing my part.
Finding the beauty and joy in even the ugliest of things or their outcomes will make for a full life I think. For even the valleys in life come with good. It's just when you come to the end of a trail in those dark gorges, that you round a corner and see a sun setting because it has to rise, and begin again.
Much love,
Mickeelie
When I read or look at something, my first instinct is not to criticize or to tear apart, but to look for the good or the simple truths instead. For those of you who had asked me to edit something of yours, this is a different matter. Editing is a matter of helping to build up something. Critical analysis generally tears something down and attempts to drag it in the other direction. Critical thinking never was my strong suit.
Is this necessary skill a reflection on our society? Have we come to a point where success is dependent on the weakness of something else? And what does this say about the human condition? Why do we feel the need to learn actual skills that are aimed at essentially criticizing and turning around a perspective or opinion? To me this is more a negative thing then anything else.
As a kid I fully remember observing this about myself: I really didn't criticize much. I would watch a movie or listen to a band and even if I didn't like it much, I would still find something good about it. I recognized this in myself and observed others in their reflections upon entertainment and other such simple things. I realized I never criticized anything, and thinking that to be strange and just abnormal, I did my best to criticize now and again.
Being a young adult and knowing a fair bit more about the world now than I did then, I find myself backpedaling, despite the skills required from my schoolwork. The world could do with a whole lot less negativity, and if that means that I applaud even the tiniest aspect of something rather than tearing it down, then I think I'm doing my part.
Finding the beauty and joy in even the ugliest of things or their outcomes will make for a full life I think. For even the valleys in life come with good. It's just when you come to the end of a trail in those dark gorges, that you round a corner and see a sun setting because it has to rise, and begin again.
Much love,
Mickeelie
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