2021 was a unique year in many ways, with many events that will probably never be forgotten. The COVID pandemic also dominated 2021 with never-ending lockdowns, restrictions, crazy policies, and even attempts to create a police state.
As many people spent a lot of time they could enjoy various hours on social media and in front of the TV. From everywhere information comes in on us that makes you think. But can you believe everything you read, especially when the flow of information always flows in the same direction and so-called experts have impressively proven that you can always be wrong despite broad expertise? The pandemic has probably shown one thing: Critical thinking is turned off for many as soon as the information comes from a source that we have been taught not to question. This is supported by political motivations that try to get as many voters as possible through different statements. Spread by the mainstream channels which bring the whole story 24/7 on our devices.
A study showed that 95% of the respondents consider critical thinking as an important skill and 85% of them say that this kind of skill has been lost from our society.
Prejudice in our population is also a stone in the way of critical thinking. People who disagree with mainstream thinking are often labeled as deniers or conspiracy theorists. It may well be that these people have a deeper level of information than we believe. Supposedly credible sources sometimes turn out to be the most untrustworthy because they are acting out of self-interest. Let’s take politics, which has impressively proven how often one can be wrong. One example: Lockdowns. Lockdowns that were initially planned for two weeks to flatten the curve have led to lockdowns lasting two years. The idea that politicians are primarily interested in staying in power makes one think that statements are mostly intended to collect votes. One should not forget that governments do not create prosperity but can only consume it.
What remains is the attempt for everyone to deal with information critically. Ways to stimulate critical thinking are countless on the Internet or in books, so they should not be part of the content.
Just ask yourself who is giving information, what is their motivation, and are there maybe other opinions from independent sources. Do not trust every source, even if you have been taught to trust them. The more critically you think, the more you will see the world from different angles.
Or maybe you just think about what critical thinking means to you?