We're back in Washington, staying at my parent's house and enjoying regular scheduled showers. While on the road, rest area sinks became my regular go-to for hygienic needs, so staying here is quite a treat. 
Today's post comes from a growing awareness, turned to concern, about the lack of curiosity and questioning I see in the world. A ridiculous example comes from Facebook and an article a woman posted about insects that get into women's bras and plant larvae into their breasts. She, along with several others commented, "I hope this doesn't happen to me", "OH MY GOSH, this is HORRIBLE", you get the point. My thoughts quickly turned to, "are people really that stupid"? For one, logic alone should nullify any truth one finds in these urban legends. And two, if logic isn't one's strong suit, a quick search on the internet can expose the truth in this falsity. On a side note if, in fact, you like grotesque stuff, Google "bra bugs" to see what I'm talking about. My point is, we are lacking the skills to critically think.
Critical thinking evaluates assumptions, and instead of answering questions, it questions answers. Critical thinking says, I know my parents, teachers, and friends think this way, but what do I think and why do I think this way? Prior to my road trip I invested leisure time into self help books and inspirational cd's. The underlying message I was telling myself is that someone else has the answers, and if I keep listening they will solve my problems. False. I now understand I am the only person who can solve my problems. Also, most of the "problems" the self help books focus on, are not problems at all.
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| Brooklyn, my niece |