WHAT IS CRITICAL THINKING? From WiseGEEK: 'Critical thinking is the ability to apply reasoning and logic to new or unfamiliar ideas, opinions, and situations. Thinking critically involves seeing things in an open-minded way and examining an idea or concept from as many angles as possible. This important skill allows people to look past their own views of the world and to better understand the opinions of others. It is often used in debates, to form more cogent and well-rounded arguments, and in science.'

Open-Minded Approach

'The ability to think critically is essential, as it creates new possibilities in problem solving. Being "open-minded" is a large part of critical thinking, allowing a person to not only seek out all possible answers to a problem, but to also accept an answer that is different from what was originally expected. Open-minded thinking requires that a person does not assume that his or her way of approaching a situation is always best, or even right. A scientist, for example, must be open to the idea that the results of an experiment will not be what is expected; such results, though challenging, often lead to tremendous and meaningful discoveries.'

There are several additional paragraphs expounding on the definition of critical thinking: Rational Considerations, Empathy, How to Apply It, Common Uses and Teaching the Skill. Here's the link I used for this information:

http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-critical-thinking.htm
This missive is to point out to the sanctimonious local readers (you know who you are!) that they are NOT critical thinkers if open-minded, rational and empathetic are not in your vocabulary. Here's a telling sentence: 'Effective critical thinking often begins with a thinker analyzing what he or she knows about a subject, with extra effort made to recognize what he or she does not know about it.'
WHAT? Does NOT KNOW?

Ah, but some think they know everything and spout that nonsense daily. Degrees, titles and certifications mean nothing if the tenets aren't applied to how you interact with others and how you move about your daily life. Please don't try to impress me or beat me over the head with the people you 'know,' all the countries you've visited or taught in or all your so-called 'degrees.' You're wasting your time. I read your words and see who you align yourself with. That speaks volumes.

How can you be an effective parent, teacher, minister, city leader or drug counselor if you think you know it all? How can you be a positive motivator if you have a closed mind or lack the empathy to 'walk a mile' in someone else's shoes?

 Well, that's all from my brain wave today.