Critical Thought

This is the most powerful ability that our minds are capable of. Critical thinking is- without question, the single greatest skill you will ever develop. It is what separates the men from the boys and the wolves from the sheep. It is the apex of rationality, and it must be honed and trained.

Information is communicated to us through language and action; however, it is interpreted by a brain whose reflex is to take things as they are. The brain does not naturally think critically when presented with information. We tend to take for granted what our brains conclude, even if it is faulty or harmful to us. The ability to discern, analyze, and evaluate information objectively forces our brains to use reason instead of mental shortcuts that are, usually, anything but.

The world is littered with people who do not think for themselves and will assume- (as truth!) what their perception of the world says. The difficulty and pain of thought is too burdensome to a mind accustomed to convenience and comfort. They will do nearly anything to justify not thinking. These are the people that remain willfully ignorant, and choose to follow instead of lead. They are easily manipulated, live in denial, and cling desperately to the comfort of the familiar.

The Enemies of Rationality

Objectivity is essential to remaining rational. Without it, we introduce errors into the critical thinking process and form inaccurate, or worse, completely erroneous conclusions. Things like morality, emotions, and faith (and the things that are derived from them,) are frequently subjective irrationalities used to avoid critical thinking and justify ignorance. An understanding of logical fallacies can assist in identifying weaknesses in or objectivity, allowing us to more thoroughly analyze and evaluate.

Although what we feel is important to our well-being, what we feel is not a firm indicator of what is real. Emotions are reactions to all of our thoughts, which may or may not be rational. Our thoughts can be automatic and so fast that they defy initial analysis, leaving us only with an emotional reaction. The reaction is a conclusion, and people tend to use it to justify an unknown hypothesis instead of thinking about why or how they feel that way. "I feel angry about what she said; therefore, she must have been trying to make me feel bad." (Circular Argument.) The same goes for moral and ethical reasoning. Moralities are nothing more than subjective mental shortcuts that frame a justification under the appearance of rationality. "Being a slut is bad because [I feel like] it is wrong." (Appeal to Emotion.) Ethics are based upon moralities, and while they form a logical framework, they are a mental shortcut. "The code of conduct for my professional group says that what you are doing is wrong." (Appeal to Authority.)

Discernment and Analysis- Real or not Real

Discernment is the ability to differentiate between two or more things. It is also the ability to observe and comprehend what may be hidden or obscured. Analysis is the process that allows us to be discerning through the scrutinization of what we perceive. By subjecting new information and our thoughts to analysis, we can discern what is real and take appropriate action. Also, as gain insight into why people behave as they do.

Frequently, information is presented and accepted without hesitation. People are notorious for not analyzing the the validity, authenticity, intent, or purpose of any information. This leads to them failing to discern between what is perceived as real and what is actually real. When they do so, they come to erroneous conclusions that allow them to be manipulated and taken advantage of. Scams, cons, and social engineering techniques are all based upon the mental shortcuts people depend on to avoid thinking and analysis, which causes their discernment to be compromised by subjectivity.

Evaluation- Good or Bad?

Evaluation is the process of making a decision. If your ability to analyze or discern certain information is compromised by subjectivity, your ability to make objective rational decisions about that information is also compromised. That doesn't mean you won't make a good decision, but it does make it far more likely that you will make a bad one.

Do not Be a Fool

You significantly decrease your ability to be manipulated, and gain insight into what is real when you are able to critically think about what is going on or what happened previously. Social engineering tactics are specifically targeted at the weaknesses in human thought processes, and are used to bypass these parts, which make people compliant and conciliatory.

Ever move the venue? That creates additional familiarity- a mental shortcut that makes people more likely to trust you. Ever A&A a shit test? That's a display of authority, which makes people trust you because you seem authoritative! Ever see a woman have sex with a guy and watch that guy fall over ass backwards for her? Reciprocity. He's really popular, so he can't be that bad right? Social Proof! Man, this woman is banging him . . . Preselection = Scarcity/Urgency.

Just remember, these kinds of tactics work because people do not think. This means that they will also work on you if you do not think.

Enjoy.