Today's Women of Age

This week public school starts where I live and that got me thinking how much I liked school–especially my elementary and college years. At times I get nostalgic about those days–not that I would want to relive any of them–mostly I’m just grateful for having more good memories than bad.

While I loved the social aspects of school (and the annual new school clothes and supplies!), I did actually enjoy learning too. Reading and science were favorites.

And I have made it a point to continue learning throughout my life–as we all should. It’s not only good for our brains, but for our life in general and how we interact with the world. Whether it’s learning a new skill, diving into medieval history, or studying another language. Lately for me it’s been learning more about antiques for my Etsy store, researching topics for my grief group and learning more about systemic gender inequality.

But while being a life-long learner is important, being a critical thinker is equally vital. It means we not only soak in new information, but question and challenge what we’ve learned or what we’re being told. It means not taking everything at face value but evaluating and analyzing it. (Back when I was a teen I remember having a button that said “Question Authority.” I still think it’s a good one.)

We all grew up in families, communities and churches that taught us how to view the world and what was right and good and true. So we enter adulthood with these biases. Everyone does. I know I did. But after I launched out in the larger world, I slowly discovered not everything I had been taught or had soaked up in my community was accurate. The more I learned and got to know different types of people and views, the more my eyes were opened. I rejected certain long-held beliefs and formed new ways of seeing the world. And that was a good thing.

For example, my family (including extended members) were die-hard Republicans. In fact if you were a Christian you had to be Republican because Democrats were “bad”. I accepted that because all the adults I loved and admired believed this. So at 18 I registered as a Republican and voted Republican. But once I got my first jobs and lived in different parts of the U.S. both of those notions were quickly shattered and my voting changed. Eventually I re-registered as an independent. And that was a good thing.

When we live in small, close-knit, homogenous communities it’s easy to “go along” with the group think and most never challenge any of its tenets. But critical thinking means being able to put those beliefs under a microscope.

Frankly, it’s not hard to spot folks who have both stopped learning and lack critical thinking. Characteristics include rigid thinking, a lack of curiosity, inability to see situations from more than one perspective and being judgmental of folks who are different from them. Empathy is only extended to members of their group, not the “others.” Additionally they tend to “know it all.”

Maybe you know someone like that. I know quite a few. Nothing will alter their opinions. They are set in cement.

And that is the major downfall in the U.S. right now–a great swath of our citizens lack critical thinking skills. This was epically proven by how many people voted against their own interests in our 2024 elections. They willingly voted for politicians who outlined priorities and agendas that would negatively affect their lives. (And who thought giving billionaires more tax breaks was a good thing?) These same politicians made promises on the campaign trail that were so outrageous it was inconceivable that anyone would fall for them. But they did. Hook, line and sinker. And now the lies like “lower costs on day one” and such have been abandoned and the real agendas are being enacted and these voters are shocked, enraged, tearful, confused. Some face financial ruin. Others face shortened life spans due to their inability to pay the increased costs of health care and necessary medications. All of this was avoidable.

I’m going to leave it there, but encourage you to not only keep learning but keep your critical thinking skills active. Your life and the world will be better for it.

“I am not young enough to know everything.”

Oscar Wilde