Category: Critical Thinking

I believe deeply in God and His presence, as I can truly feel a unique energy and positive force whenever I reach out to Him, especially during difficult moments. The sensations I experience—like goosebumps during an aarti at historic temples like Dwarka and Tirupati Balaji—are unlike anything else. While some people connect to energy in natural settings like beaches or mountains, the spiritual energy I feel in these sacred spaces is distinctly profound and incomparable.

My belief in God is something I arrived at on my own; no one told me I had to believe or forced me to pray and perform holy rituals. Despite the lack of physical evidence of His existence, I find that it’s the energy I feel that truly matters. This energy gives me a deep sense of connection and peace, and it’s so powerful that it affirms my faith in ways that can’t be shaken. For me, this bond with God is pure and profound—something beyond words and entirely my own.

People often grapple with doubts, questions about faith’s role in hardship, conflicts between science and belief, and the purpose of religious practices. They may also struggle to balance respect for diverse beliefs with staying true to their own.

On common ground, people need mutual respect and understanding for different beliefs, allowing space for diverse perspectives without judgment.

In our 5th CT Life class, the focus was on God and religion, examining concepts like religious belief, customs, traditions, and rituals. This led me to reflect on my own understanding of God and religion. Do I believe in God? Yes. Am I a strong believer? Not exactly, but I would categorize myself as agnostic—somewhere in between. To me, God is the creator of the universe and everything within it, both living and non-living. This brings up the question of Darwin’s theory of evolution, but for me, God remains the omnipresent creator of all things.

As for religion, I see it as a set of guidelines for living a better, more fulfilling life—helping us be better human beings, live happily, and care for others. Do I have doubts about God? No, because my life experiences have shown me that there is always a force protecting me from harm. Some things in life can’t be explained, and you don’t need evidence to validate what you believe or do.

So, the next question that arise is : Will God solve all your problems without you doing anything? Definitely not. If you want something in life, you must put in the effort. While external forces might help make things easier, your hard work is essential. I also see people being deceived in the name of religion, and I believe it’s important for each person to consider: Will paying 5,000 bucks for a ritual truly solve your problems, or would taking action yourself and working towards a solution bring real rewards? This is where we can use some of our critical thinking.

In my recent critical thinking sessions, I explored some fundamental questions about religion, God, and the values they carry. Through these discussions, my perspective and beliefs about these topics have evolved.I came to see God as an energy beyond human form, and religion as a guide that teaches us to live ethically. Religion provides values and helps us distinguish between right and wrong. Traditions and rituals can serve as meaningful reminders, but over time, I’ve noticed how religion has often been manipulated for agendas, impacting how individuals and society function. In these sessions I also got the opportunity to ponder about the origins of religions. And why are religious beliefs followed so unquestioningly, often without understanding their original intent?This helped to view religion as a guide rather than a fixed identity. It shouldn’t be used for personal or political agendas. I believe that humanity and kindness should be our primary guiding forces, transcending any religious differences.I still wonder If more people paused to reflect on the reasons behind their beliefs, would it bring us closer? Perhaps, how to find common ground and move toward a more understanding society.These sessions helped me see that humanity and the peaceful coexistence of religions should be our primary focus. While religion can offer valuable guidance, it’s important not to follow certain practices blindly. By understanding the reasons behind our beliefs and focusing on universal values, we can foster a world where people coexist harmoniously, valuing each other as humans first.

Days 3 and 4 of the critical thinking class deepened my understanding of objective analysis and the need to go beyond surface judgments. A key exercise was critically evaluating a beloved brand, challenging personal attachments and highlighting the importance of unbiased perspectives. Another activity involved neutral discussions on controversial topics, revealing how easily biases can impact decision-making. These sessions underscored that critical thinking isn’t just for complex issues; it’s a mindset for fair, reflective, and balanced choices. I’m excited to continue honing this skill for clearer, fairer decision-making.

Completing Days 3 and 4 of the life class on critical thinking has truly deepened my understanding of what it means to think objectively and analyze situations beyond surface-level judgments. These sessions weren’t just about enhancing analytical skills they were a practical exploration into how critical thinking applies to both personal values and real-life choices.

One of the standout tasks was a thought-provoking exercise where we had to “kill” our favorite brand or something we hold dear. This involved thoroughly evaluating both the positives and negatives, pushing us to question our attachment and take an unbiased perspective. While challenging, this task helped me see the importance of examining things critically, even those that hold personal significance. It emphasized that critical thinking isn’t just a tool for analyzing external issues; it’s equally vital for making balanced decisions in personal matters and avoiding overly biased attachments to ideas, products, or practices.

Another impactful activity involved discussing various controversial topics, where we were encouraged to weigh the pros and cons with a neutral stance. This exercise required us to carefully analyze different viewpoints and make fair, unbiased assessments. It was eye-opening, particularly as it underscored how easily personal biases can influence decision-making. I found myself examining my own opinions, questioning where they originated and whether they were truly fair or just habitual. The task taught me that sometimes, choosing neutrality or taking a balanced perspective is the best approach, especially when emotions or preconceived notions could cloud judgment.

Through these exercises, I gained a deeper understanding of critical thinking’s role in shaping not just decisions but also attitudes toward the world around us. These activities served as reminders that critical thinking isn’t only about solving complex problems it’s about cultivating a mindset that questions, reflects, and seeks balanced understanding. As I continue with the life class, I look forward to sharpening this skill, knowing that it equips me to approach both everyday and life-defining decisions with greater clarity and fairness.

The Day 1 and Day 2 critical thinking sessions explored the concepts of System 1 and System 2 thinking, demonstrating how these cognitive systems influence our daily decision-making. Reflecting on the session, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how my thoughts and actions are shaped by these systems. For instance, I now recognize when I am relying on quick, intuitive judgments (System 1) and when I need to engage in more deliberate, analytical thinking (System 2). This awareness has already helped me identify moments where I might have otherwise fallen into cognitive biases. This has helped me me to make more informed and reflective decisions in both personal and professional settings.

The session has made me a bit more mindful of how I approach daily problems and decisions. It has highlighted that adopting different perspectives — using a broader “lens”— is important for making good choices. Prior to this, I always relied on my gut instincts or habitual responses, but now, I recognize the value of stepping back and engaging in more deliberate thinking and it has sometimes helped me both in my professional and personal life.

For example, a recent situation where understanding System 1 and System 2 thinking helped me to take a very important decision about purchasing a new piece washing machine. My immediate response, driven by System 1 (intuitive thinking), was to buy the latest model because of the new features and the sleek design. However, I paused and used System 2 (deliberate thinking) to evaluate whether the features would actually benefit my wash time or not. This more thoughtful approach led me to choose a model that was more cost-effective also easier for my mother in law to use.

As for the subtle influence of politics, I’m still not sure about the political narratives and societal structures since I’m sttill a bit distant from the politics. But, somewhere it has affected the way in which I think about the educational structure of our country and even the fairness between different castes.

Yes, It has helped me but I’m sure that by the end of the year I’ll be more confident and independent in using my thinking skills in many of the areas both professionally and personally.