Critical thinking is the hallmark of a free society. It necessitates strong individuals with brilliant minds who believe in freedom, and who have visions and leadership skills to shape a world where people can live in harmony and peace. In America, we have prided ourselves with having bright hearts and minds that have been able to research and vigorously debate issues, without malice, in order to come to a path that benefits individuals as well as the whole. We have worked to provide opportunity for those who would not otherwise have been able to fulfill their dreams. We have been over the top successful at creating a world of great inventions and comforts. But there are some now who wonder if the people of our country will continue to be supported in their critical thinking minds and visions of peace and harmony or if our inventions will rob them of these foundational qualities?
When people rely on inventions instead of their local families and communities for providing them with steady entertainment or answers to difficult questions, such as: who to vote for on the school board?; what is the best way to deal with a health problem?; do ultrasounds have side effects?; should we be at war with another country?; what is gluten?; then we have to start asking questions about the providers of the information:
What device is being used to distribute information?
Who owns the device or information?
Who or what is the source of the information?
Does the source have bias or conflict of interest?
Does the source have dominance and power over other sources?
Are their financial conflicts of interest impacting what information is given?
Is there an incentive to have people dependent on the distribution device?