What does criticism have to do with thinking? I believe criticism has much to do with thinking.
II Timothy 2:7 states, "reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all of this." We are commanded to think and to reflect on all things. True thinking involves a process that must be followed. Today, too many have succumbed to thinking that is merely two dimensional: gain knowledge and move to judgement. This two step process leads to thinking that is anything but right, and even worse, it leads to thinking that produces nothing new or innovative.
Right thinking involves criticism only if criticism is arrived at through the proper process. What then is the proper process?
Right thinking is higher categorical thinking and involves an important process that must be followed if there is any hope of thinking correctly. The process is:
Knowledge is given.
Knowledge is comprehended.
Knowledge is analyzed.
Knowledge is synthesized.
Knowledge is applied.
Knowledge is criticised and judged.
Then, and only then does innovation and discovery take place.
Today knowledge is given and most advance straight to judgment. The problem with this shortened process is that it will never lead to innovation and discovery. Discovery and innovation will never be achieved without criticism. I guess I should use the phrase "constructive criticism" because the connotations of "criticism" are such that in order to convey the needed meaning an adjective must be added.
Would the wheel have been invented if the inventor had not been criticized? How many times did Henry Ford fail before he succeeded? How many times was he criticized before he succeed? I have learned more from my criticisms than my encouragements.
The next time you think about thinking, think about criticism because in order to discover you will first have to endure some criticism. I hope that the criticism received is constructive and given in love; most is not, but that should not stop you from receiving it with love and grace. Blessings!
2 comments:
In engineering/manufacturing we refer to this as "continuous improvement" or "evolution of best practices." That is, once the knowledge is applied there should be an objective effort to determine if the knowledge results in the most efficient outcome. If not then it should be adjusted and reapplied. But how does this apply to life in general? For myself, the more I know the more I realize how inadequate I am. Knowledge should bring humility not pride.
Well said! The more knowledge I gain the more I learn that I really do not know very much at all! Thanks for your awesome comments!
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