Exactly zero people know that they largely lack critical thinking skills

[AZJonnie]

Last edited Sat Sep 20, 2025, 09:14 PM - Edit history (1)

Debate for or against this assertion below if you like, but I feel it's axiomatic

No person in mind here, I got all Jack Handey just now and thought I'd share

[Bernardo de La Paz]

1. I lack critical thinking skills. I constantly monitor myself seeking ways to improve

Note "lack" is not all-or-nothing. I have some critical thinking skills but would like more.

Who the f is Jack Handey and how does it pertain?

[AZJonnie]

3. If you can remotely accurately explain the concept of "critical thinking"

Then you are someone I did not mean to include in the population.

I don't mean "you stipulate you don't have/know everything there is about the subject of critical thinking"

[Xavier Breath]

4. Jack is great mind...

[haele]

5. Jack Handey is a bit on SNL where they skewer pop affirmations.

And the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" type memes.
Typically a Hallmark card type background with the narrated saying written in script over it.
Bits like:
..."if Trees could Scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time for no good reason"...
Or
..."If a young child asked you why it was raining, it is a good answer to tell it 'Because God is Crying'. If the child asks you why God is Crying, the best answer is 'Probably because of something you did'"...

[Bernardo de La Paz]

8. Ah, thanks, falls into place now. But that god is crying bit seems just mean, though that is probably just the barb. .nt

[AZJonnie]

11. One my faves, from memory so could be off but it's the gist

Children love it when you trick them. Like last week I told my little nephew I was talking him to Disneyland. Then I drove us to a burned-down shack. "Oh No", I said "Disneyland has burned down!" He cried and cried but deep down I think he knew it was a pretty good joke.

[canetoad]

9. Alain de Botton in his tv series

"Philosophy: a Guide to Happiness" covered this in the episode "Seneca on Anger". Anger being the polar opposite to happiness.

Critical thinking plays a large part in this; the stoic thinks through EVERY action and its consequences. It this is carried out thoroughly, in theory nothing should go wrong with each venture to which this technique is applied.

[lame54]

2. Ever hear the term?...

"I'm so stupid."

[ananda]

6. Well, if you have no critical thinking skills....

you wouldn't exactly know that you don't have
them, since that would also take critical thinking.

I know. !@#$%

[AZJonnie]

10. That's what I'm getting at, yup!

Kind of a specific aspect of Dunning-Kruger.

[Skittles]

7. oh I love Jack Handy

the idea that one day we will be able to communicate with dolphins......the fear they will cuss like sailors