My View from 1958

Years ago, I was working on a business proposal. The proposal lead (Ron) had some wisdom that still rings a bit true about 25 years later. He said before you write a single word in regard to the proposal, “Read, Read, Read”. Next, “Think, Think, Think”, and finally, “Write, Write, Write”. He actually wrote this on a white board.

He emphasized that before you start writing anything, read as much as you can about the problem. Understand the problem you are trying to solve. Next, think. Don’t react and don’t write anything. Think, ask questions, seek other opinions and evaluate the information. Reflect on the information and the options. Finally write or formulate your response, but not before you read and think.

At the time, although I thought this was good advice, but I did not put much long-term credibility to his “profound understanding”. We called the lead “Ron Bluster”, as he loved to anoint us with his sage wisdom and deep insights……quite often. Of course, he also let us know how busy he was as well as how valuable his expertise would be.

Today I believe many are lacking the ability to Read, Think and Write or what is now know as critical thinking. Critical thinking is the disciplined process of actively analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an informed conclusion. It is a vital skill in today’s world, where the abundance of information can overwhelm even the most astute individuals.  And of course, what makes it so critical today is that many sources of information cannot be trusted or perhaps tend to be biased. 

So much information is pulled off of social media, treated as Gospel without second thought. Biases, can lead individuals to favor information that supports one’s existing beliefs. Emotional reasoning, where feelings override logical analysis, is another obstacle. Additionally, societal pressures often discourage the exploration of diverse viewpoints.

Overcoming these challenges requires awareness and deliberate effort. Educators, leaders, and institutions play a crucial role in creating environments that encourage critical thinking by promoting open dialogue, critical inquiry, and respectful debate.

In the final analysis, it is up to each and everyone of us to Read, Think and Write. We have the ability to make choices before we react, understand our own biases and listen to other opinions. For all my blog readers, moving forward…..Ron had some good advice so many years ago: Read, Think and Write.