Blog 3967 – 10.04.2026

When Did We Quit Teaching People To Think For Themselves?

When I was in public high school over fifty years ago I recall we studied rhetoric and debate. We were taught to think not just to memorize names and dates to regurgitate for the tests. Thinking required us to analyze the data and come to supportable conclusions.

Too many today are like the little lion cub poster I saw in a book store once that said, “It’s my opinion and it’s very true” which is just another way of saying “Don’t confuse me with the facts, I’ve got my mind made up.”

Having a strongly held opinion or belief is not the same as examining the facts and coming to a reasonable conclusion. Time was when politicians debated so we could see who presented the best argument. Name calling seems to have replaced rhetoric and debate while adherence to dogma has replaced critical thinking.

Instead of trusting the experts we admire the grifter, the con-man, who has learned that the fastest way to get ahead in business and politics is to lie and to cheat. Think people, wake up, it’s not like we have not seen this story time and time again. “Pay no attention to the little man behind the curtain, ‘“I am the Great and Powerful Oz.”

Sure you are, Donny Boy!

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David James White