First, what IS critical thinking:

“Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment. Critical thinking involves evaluating sources such as data, facts, observable phenomenon, and research findings.”

• In the media

On media today, mainly social media, there is a lack of critical thinking. Conspiracy theories, keyboard vigilantes, and zealots are common. They prey on your news and social feed for accolades and “hits” to feed their starved dopamine receptors. We all desire to feel good, a primal need for connection, and still, we have never felt more isolated. People are lonely, disconnected, and those most miserable want attention, validation, and comrades. The underuse of critical thinking is a soul-sucking viral symptom of an unwell society.

• In addiction

Well, there is no critical thinking for a person in active addiction. Logic does not exist. All resources fuel the addiction process; acquire, use, deflect, blame, justify, hide, get sick, then start the same process again and again. You cannot reason with the unreasonable. The family and loved ones benefit immensely from critical thinking about their role and reactions. The family using critical thinking may create the space needed for recovery to become an option.

• In recovery

Critical thinking in recovery is the antidote to the relapse process. Personal recovery programs utilize tools to provide accountability, self-reflection, supports, and a correction process; analysis guards against old patterns sneaking in and eroding our foundation. 

Stay vigilant, my friends.

“A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence.” – David Hume

Do you believe you are a critical thinker in your professional life? 

What about in your personal life? 

How you do anything is how you do everything.

I was thinking about thinking.

Kathy Koenigsdorf