We all can see the fake news and social media echo chambers in play. Peter Ellerton, a director of the University of Queensland Critical Thinking Project and a lecturer in critical thinking and education, argues that while:
“all people are worthy of respect, not all ideas deserve the same treatment. “
Only when we separate our ideas from our identities are we are able to look at ideas through the lens of a brutal meritocracy, so we can discriminate between a good or bad idea without disrespecting the person who delivered it.
Sadly and predictably, this message won’t get to those who most need to hear it – UNLESS you forward it on to anyone you think has constricted thinking and flawed reasoning. There is no need to reveal that to them, just suggest they might know ‘friends’ who could benefit from 8 minutes of wisdom.
Be the change you want to see in the world. Otherwise, you’re part of the problem.