Questioning Our Biases: The Key to Unveiling Truth and Empathy

A video by Warren Smith caught everyone's attention after Elon Musk shared it on X. (You will find it on YouTube)

"It's about how you think, not what you think" says this hero-teacher. His approach is a reminder for all of us to learn and approach any information coming our way with critical thinking. I train corporate executives on critical thinking whenever I'm given the opportunity and I find it to be a fascinating subject, because even while training, I’m reminding myself about how important it is to think critically before forming judgements and coming to conclusions.

Critical thinking is like a brain's gym workout: essential for making informed decisions and avoiding facepalm moments. It means analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and reasoning logically before jumping to conclusions—kind of like checking if the milk is actually sour before you pour it into your coffee.

The most essential part of critical thinking is to ask questions!

Questioning and overcoming biases are fundamental aspects of critical thinking that play pivotal roles in fostering deeper understanding, rational decision-making, and intellectual growth.

Here are some of my thoughts on the importance of asking questions:

1. By asking probing questions, critical thinkers delve beneath the surface, uncovering hidden complexities and gaining deeper insights into issues.

2. Questioning prompts individuals to challenge preconceived notions and assumptions. It fosters a healthy skepticism that prevents blind acceptance of information and encourages a more thorough examination of ideas.

3. Asking "why" and "how" stimulates creativity and innovation. By challenging the status quo, critical thinkers identify gaps in knowledge and opportunities for improvement, leading to the development of new ideas and solutions.

4. Questioning prompts individuals to evaluate evidence, identify inconsistencies, and consider the implications of different perspectives. It helps separate fact from opinion and strengthens the foundation of reasoned argumentation.

Remember, even our brains need a good workout—question your biases and flex your critical thinking muscles.