Showerthought: why do we treat 'critical thinking' like some sacred skill when most people just use it to justify what they already believe?

I got into this argument with my cousin last Thanksgiving. He's a big 'do your own research' guy, but only on topics he already disagrees with the mainstream on. I pointed out he never questions the stuff he agrees with. He got defensive and said I was attacking his critical thinking. But idk, it feels like we all just use it as a shield. Has anyone else noticed this pattern where people only apply skepticism to things they don't like?

3 comments

3 Comments

faithwalker1mo agoMost Upvoted

Slammed my coffee mug on the table reading this. Because you just described my entire family. The cousin who swears he's a free thinker but only watches one political channel. The uncle who says he questions everything but brings up the same three talking points every Christmas. It's like they've got a switch. Critical thinking only flips on when they encounter something that makes them mad or uncomfortable. The rest of the time, their brain is on autopilot. Honestly, it makes me wonder if most people even want the truth. They just want a weapon to feel smarter than whoever they're arguing with.

alicew681mo ago

@faithwalker nailed it, most folks just want validation not truth.

kevin_dixon1mo ago

I've learned the hard way to stop trying to have real conversations with people like that. Best thing I ever did was just nod and say "hmm, interesting" when they go off on their scripted stuff. If they ask for my opinion I just say I haven't thought about it enough which shuts it down fast. Saves so much energy for the few people who actually listen and want to figure things out together instead of just scoring points.