Writing is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking skills.
The Power of Writing: A Key to Critical Thinking and Success
Start time: 2:17:35
The best way to teach people critical thinking is to teach them to write. It is very hard to teach people to write because it is unbelievably time intensive. Marking a good essay is really easy: check, A. You did everything right. Marking a bad essay? Oh my. The words are wrong, the phrases are wrong, the sentences are wrong, they’re not ordered right in the paragraphs, the paragraphs are not coherent, and the whole thing makes no sense. So trying to tell the person what they did wrong? Well, you did everything wrong. Everything about this essay is wrong. That is not helpful either. You have to find the few little things they did half right, and you have to teach them what they did wrong. It is really expensive. The best thing you can do is teach people to write, because there is no difference between that and thinking.
Universities often fail to explain to students why they should write. It’s not just about completing assignments for grades; it’s about learning to think critically and act effectively in the world. Writing equips you with the power to win battles and achieve great things. If you can think, speak, and write coherently, you become unstoppable. It’s astonishing that this isn’t emphasized enough. Writing is the most potent weapon one can possess.
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I’ve witnessed countless individuals who have achieved staggering success. Engaging in an argument with them is a futile endeavor unless you can present your points coherently. Otherwise, you’ll appear foolish and make no progress. The ability to formulate arguments, deliver presentations, and communicate effectively opens doors to financial support, opportunities, and influence.
That’s precisely what universities should focus on: teaching students to be articulate. It’s the most dangerous skill one can possess, and students should be aware of its power. Learning to write is like being handed a sword, an M16, and a bulletproof vest. You must learn how to wield them effectively. It baffles me why this isn’t made abundantly clear. It’s almost as if there’s a conspiracy to weaken individuals within the education system, perhaps to maintain control by suppressing competition.
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Dr. Jordan B. Peterson is a clinical psychologist and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. From 1993 to 1998, he served as an assistant and then associate professor of psychology at Harvard. He is the international bestselling author of Maps of Meaning, 12 Rules For Life, and Beyond Order. You can now listen to or watch his popular lectures on DailyWire+.
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What role does writing play in promoting effective communication in the professional world?
Ly is directly linked to writing skills. Writing allows us to organize our thoughts, refine our arguments, and articulate our ideas in a clear and persuasive manner. It helps us develop the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. In short, writing enables us to think critically.
When we write, we are forced to examine our own ideas and beliefs. We must question our assumptions, gather evidence, and construct logical arguments to support our claims. Writing requires us to consider multiple perspectives and anticipate counterarguments. It pushes us to think deeply, challenge our own biases, and arrive at well-reasoned conclusions. By engaging in this process, we become better equipped to navigate complex issues and make informed judgments.
Moreover, writing promotes self-expression and fosters creativity. It allows us to explore our own thoughts and emotions, giving us a platform to share our unique perspectives with others. Through writing, we can inspire, inform, and persuade. We can use our words to advocate for change, raise awareness about important issues, and ignite meaningful conversations. Writing empowers us to use our voice and make a difference in the world.
The benefits of writing extend beyond the academic realm. In the professional world, effective communication is crucial for success. Employers value employees who can express themselves clearly and concisely, whether through written reports, presentations, or emails. The ability to communicate complex ideas in a straightforward manner sets individuals apart and opens doors to new opportunities. Writing empowers us to articulate our ideas with confidence and command the attention of others.
Furthermore, writing has the power to shape our personal growth and well-being. Journaling, for example, allows us to reflect on our experiences, process our emotions, and gain clarity about our goals and aspirations. Writing can serve as a therapeutic outlet, helping us cope with stress, anxiety, and other challenges. It enables self-discovery and personal transformation.
In a world driven by information and communication, writing is more important than ever. The ability to express oneself effectively through the written word is a key skill in today’s digital age. Whether it’s crafting a persuasive blog post, composing a compelling social media caption, or drafting a professional email, writing skills are in high demand. It is a skill that transcends disciplines and industries.
In conclusion, writing is a powerful tool that fosters critical thinking, promotes effective communication, and contributes to personal and professional success. By honing our writing skills, we strengthen our ability to analyze, evaluate, and express ourselves. We become more persuasive, more articulate, and more influential. So let us embrace the power of writing and unlock our full potential.
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