The path to Tranquility (spring)
10. Using critical thinking
Critical thinking is getting more and more attention, but it is not reverse thinking. In fact, only by using critical thinking can we analyze things comprehensively. Critical thinking is useful when we
need to act rationally. Through in-depth analysis, evaluation, and inference
to identify and solve problems, critical thinking can help us further
understand the world, improve decision-making capabilities, and handle matters
in daily life.
For example, before making an important decision, we need to consider various possible consequences and impacts, and analyze the pros and cons of each option, or in daily life, when we encounter difficulties, we need to find the key to the problem. These situations require the use of critical thinking, because this way of thinking can help us solve problems better, and obtain satisfactory results.
Using critical thinking, we can confirm the reliability of evidence, compare the values of different positions, evaluate different hypotheses or explanations, check whether the logic is reasonable and consistent, and so on. Every time we think, we should use this thinking method, otherwise it will be full of errors and omissions.
The essence of critical thinking is science and rationality, which includes a spirit of suspicion and a spirit of seeking truth. For a viewpoint or statement, we first assume that it is correct and then look for counterexamples. This is the spirit of suspicion. The spirit of seeking truth requires that the counterexamples we are looking for must objectively exist, not our subjective ideas. All research depends on critical thinking, otherwise, the results of the research will be unreliable.
But it should be noted, when observing and analyzing our own inner feelings, critical thinking may become an obstacle because we are easily trapped in excessive suspicion and cannot truly enter the inner world. Our hearts contain a subjective emotional world, for analysis of this part requires more reliance and relaxation, and allows the beliefs of heart to lead us in exploration.
Objective and subjective are two different worlds, so we need to adopt different research methods. We must first use compassion and feel our own or others' needs with tolerance and respect. Then can we analyze with empathy and critical thinking to understand accurately what things are truly beneficial to our lives.
Critical thinking is a very effective way of thinking, but when using it, we still need to keep an open mind, incorporate compassion and empathy, accept our findings, and continually improve. With the help of critical thinking, we can develop our consciousness more and faster.
11. Transcending the control of ego
