Critical Thinking is Needed More Than Ever!
(Part 1 of a series on critical thinking)
By Steve Ryan, MA, Professor of English, Critical Thinking, and Public Speaking
Throughout history, a higher level of thinking has been necessary in personal situations and work-related environments. The human being – and the human spirit – has raised their level of thinking in the most challenging of times (through wars, the Great Depression, economic hardships, personal devastation, the recessions, the pandemic, and many other challenging situations). The human being is a survivor because we exhibit the human spirit!
A big part of that human spirit is to rise above those challenges, challenge our thinking to a higher level, and seek resolution or success, or both.
So, why does it feel different now? Does it feel different in 2025? Maybe!
There seem to be challenges coming from all directions. I feel it.
I have lived my life by faith, hard work, and a belief that things will work out in the end. I have “thunk” my way through the tough times, the tougher-than-tough times, and I am still here. You can too! Believe! Believe in yourself! Believe you are stronger than yesterday! Tell yourself every day, “I believe in myself!” I believe in you! I believe in myself!
We believe in you! We know you can rise above, think harder, and come out better tomorrow and the next day….
Proverbs 19:20 states “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”
Think! Think your way through things. Don’t be afraid to think. You are gifted with the greatest gift of all – the human brain! Use it, apply it, and you will see amazing results.