« The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks. »
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery.
― Bob Marley
None but ourselves can free our minds.
Inevitably it follows that anyone with an independent mind must become ‘one who resists or opposes an authority or established convention’: a rebel. …And if enough people come to agree with—and follow—the REBEL, we now have a DEVIL. Until, of course, still more people agree. And then, finally, we have … GREATNESS.
― Nicholas Tharcher
Critical thinking is the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking, to think clearly and rationally about what to do or what to believe.
With critical thinking, you don’t simply accept all arguments and conclusions you are exposed to, but prefer to question such arguments and conclusions.
Independent mind skills
- Read a lot & analyze everything
- Listen & communicate
- Be creative
- Be open-minded
- Solve problems
And I would add: be curious, always!
Someone with critical thinking skills is able to explore the logical connections between ideas and « see beyond »…