Critical Thinker, Discerning Taste, and Unhappiness

      "Critical thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment to overcome our native egocentrism and sociocentrism."  
        (Taken from Richard Paul and Linda Elder, The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools, Foundation for Critical Thinking Press, 2008) http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766

     As the inference to the transcendence of egocentricity and provincialism / tribalism (sociocentrism) suggests, the above is entirely dependent on the thinker's level of overall maturity as a human being. Critical thinking has nothing to do with cynicism nor scientism. Yet both are rampant among folks in health-care - as if it were an essential badge of intelligence - but it is NOT.

     In a broader sense, beyond academia / health-care, our society also respects people with "discerning tastes" such as film, food and wine critics. The more harshly they put down a movie, restaurant or wine, the more titillating the review. Again, being judgmental ie having a negative affect, is given an undeserved place of honor.

     Being cynical and judgmental assures that one is rarely satisfied or happy. With these self-imposed barriers to connecting with life as it is, one is assured of life-long misery. These barriers also take a lot of energy to maintain - AND - people who are consistently negative are a real pain in the ass to be with.

     See also: http://www.johnlovas.com/2013/11/out-of-fearful-pessimism-we-isolate.html
     and: http://healthyhealers.blogspot.ca/2013/11/values-purpose-meaning-quality-of-life.html

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