Encouraging a child to think critically is akin to instructing them to “just be cool.” You might as well hire a character like the Fonz for that lesson, but there’s no real curriculum for being cool. Educators need to stealthily cultivate critical thinking by posing challenging questions, refusing to accept superficial answers, and welcoming diverse perspectives. This is what folks outside the educational sphere often refer to as “having a discussion.”
There are countless examples of critical thinking in everyday life. For instance, how many times have we heard the phrase, “to thine own self be true,” thanks to Shakespeare? This quote has become so commonplace that it’s almost a cliché, yet its appeal is undeniable: who wouldn’t want to be true to themselves? The issue arises when people quote this line without delving deeper.
Critical thinking—yes, I find the term somewhat grating, but I’ll stick with it—requires us to dissect such platitudes. It pushes us to look beyond the surface and question what seems obvious. The phrase is spoken by Polonius, a character in Hamlet, as he offers advice to his son Laertes before his trip to France.
Let’s strip away the historical context and consider the statement’s credibility. What’s the first thing you’d want to know? Most likely, you’d want to identify the speaker. We all know individuals who are wise and trustworthy, and those who are, quite frankly, a bit off their rocker. A detached reading of Polonius might lead you to think he’s one of the latter. However, upon closer examination, we find that Polonius is, despite his good intentions, quite the buffoon. He’s earnest but lacks genuine wisdom, earning Hamlet’s scorn as a “tedious old fool.” His well-meaning advice loses its value when we understand who delivers it, revealing Shakespeare’s critique of sage wisdom and, more profoundly, the entire notion of identity itself.
For college applicants, critically evaluating such “wisdom” is essential for two key reasons. First, top-performing students—those with stellar GPAs, a plethora of AP courses, and sky-high SAT scores—often grapple with critical thinking. They can recite Polonius’s advice and analyze its context, yet they may not roll their eyes at the absurdity as they should. Ironically, it’s usually the students who see past these platitudes who stand out as compelling candidates for college admissions.
Second, Polonius embodies the archetype of college application advice. At every information session or application workshop, students are urged to “be themselves.” This mantra is well-intentioned; colleges want authentic narratives rather than manufactured personas. However, being oneself doesn’t equate to baring all. Applications should not serve as confessions but as opportunities to showcase their best selves. Students can share meaningful experiences and reflect on them in ways that are insightful, ethical, and appealing. Those who engage deeply with their own stories—their experiences, skills, aspirations—often find that they emerge from the process as more refined individuals.
Speaking of Polonius, it’s important to note that parents play a pivotal role in nurturing their children’s intellectual growth. The journey to developing critical thinking skills can sometimes be misinterpreted as mere argumentativeness. Children may focus on the “critical” while overlooking the “thinking.” Instead of dismissing their inquiries and debates, parents should encourage them. What may begin as an emotional dispute can evolve into a constructive dialogue, allowing for the development of reasoned arguments. This process can lead both parents and children to mutual understanding and lessons learned.
Students who strive to enhance their own identities—by utilizing their intellect to craft improved versions of themselves—will ultimately have much to take pride in. For those interested in further resources, visit this link for additional insights, or check out this reputable retailer for at-home insemination syringe kits. For a deep dive into fertility treatments, including IVF, refer to this excellent resource.
In summary, fostering critical thinking in young adults is crucial for their personal and academic growth. By encouraging them to analyze advice critically and present their authentic selves thoughtfully, we help them navigate the complex college application process and emerge as confident individuals.
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