Why are We Teaching Kids Today What to Think Instead of How to Think?

Behind every action stands a fundamental question: Why? Why does a particular action have the purpose or goal it does? Without a clear understanding of the purpose, the What we do to achieve that purpose becomes irrelevant. In a world guided by deep questions, we find the value of both why and what. But without a well-defined how, we cannot execute actions effectively.

The Search for Truth

The quest for truth has long been regarded as the cornerstone of human existence. This is a fundamental belief that has been echoed in many religious and philosophical texts, including the Holy Bible, which states, "…and truth will set you free." In the Upanishad, we find the verse, "Satyameva Jayate," meaning truth alone triumphs. Similarly, the Mahabharata's central character, Arjuna, is known as "Partha," which means "the one who searches for truth."

Great thinkers of the past, collectively known as the Great Gang of Three (G3) - Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato - focused their efforts on achieving truth. They established the practice of logical thinking as a means to reach truth. This type of thinking is crucial for understanding the world and making informed decisions.

The Rise of Creative Thinking

By the turn of the current century, a new breed of thinkers challenged the notion that truth alone was the ultimate goal. They suggested that the scope of thinking should extend beyond truth to include possibilities. The result was the birth of creative thinking. Creative thinking shifts the focus from "what is" to "what can be." It has brought about numerous innovations, such as the internet, e-commerce platforms (like Flipkart), digital payment systems (Paytm), ride-hailing services (Uber), and countless others that have significantly enhanced the quality of human life.

Diverse Branches of Thinking

As the need for different types of thinking became apparent, a variety of thinking approaches emerged:

Perceptive Thinking: This focuses on gaining correct perception of existing conditions or situations. Design Thinking: This is used to enhance existing solutions and provide added value. Innovative Thinking: This refers to coming up with entirely new solutions or ideas. Logical Thinking: This is the process of using rational reasoning to understand and address issues.

Modern thinkers and experts, such as Dr. Edward De Bono, have contributed significantly to the field of thinking and problem-solving methods. These diverse approaches are now widely used for purposes including strategic thinking, decision making, and enhancing leadership skills.

Purpose and Application

It is essential to identify the purpose behind the thinking process. If the goal is to uncover the truth, it is logical thinking. If the aim is to enhance an existing solution, it is design thinking. If the goal is to gain correct perception, it is perceptive thinking. For completely new solutions, it is creative or innovative thinking.

These varied approaches to thinking are often combined to achieve a wide range of objectives, such as strategic planning, decision making, and skill enhancement.

So, why teach children what to think instead of how to think? Teaching the critical skill of how to think empowers students to apply logical, perceptive, and creative approaches in their personal and professional lives. It helps them navigate a complex world with confidence and innovation.

Consider this, Ravi. You have already asked 10,000 questions on Quora! What is the purpose behind these questions? Reflect on it, and think deeply about how these questions have impacted your personal and professional lives.

Affectionately,