Yes, we live in a muddled time, when social media has reduced the total words now used by the human race to about a dozen or so. Schools no longer teach critical reasoning and most kids can’t make a move without touching home base via the cell phone.
But, this does present a huge opportunity for those folks who can actually think for themselves.
More on that later.
What is clear thinking, or thinking clearly, as you prefer. I believe it incorporates logic and coming to conclusions based on facts. As author Stuart Chase wrote in “Guides to Straight Thinking:”
Logic is correct reasoning. To be logical is to argue reasonably. By means of logic we can find out what happens if we accept a given statement as true.
Chase goes on to remind us that logic is built on proof, which requires evidence.
Man, this stuff sound boring, doesn’t it? Who wants to actually care if something someone says in actually true or not. The litmus test now is whether or not we agree with the speaker. If not, then of course, they are absolutely totally wrong. We don’t know why, they just are.
For example, there once was a time when journalists actually cared about the truth. Double and triple-checking facts. Meager use of unattributed sources. Keeping everyone on the record.
The printed newspaper or magazine was considered the publication of record, dutifully recording the events in a detached voice so that someone years later could understand the events presented in the reports.
Well, the 24 hour news cycle, hair spray, white teeth and opinion wrapped in “news” did away with that concept. What also died was a firm commitment to logic and reason, replaced with who can shout the loudest.
So, back to my point about the opportunities that exist in a logic-free world.
If you can put a period at the end of a nicely formed sentence that obeys even a minimal number of grammar laws, you could run a giant corporation, get elected to Congress, run a sports team or even get elected President!
We’ll come back to this topic in future posts. But for now, take the first step and learn to dig for the truth by examining all sides of an issue. Demand proponents and opponents of an issue prove their statements. Don’t take anything at face value.
It takes work, but you can do it!