One would think that keeping a blog on the topics of critical thought, parenting, skepticism, and similarly related ideas is a difficult task — and one would be right. But, unexpectedly, when I set out to write here I was overwhelmed in a different way than I am now, having touched on a small handful of topics and researched twice again as many for future articles. The task is not difficult because there is a lack of subject matter. The task is difficult because there is far more to cover than I had ever anticipated. And I’ve been struggling not for lack of questions, but because I’ve been hesitant to ask the wrong ones.

I’ve been re-reading Dr. Carl Sagan’s book The Demon Haunted World over the past week as I endeavor to fill the motivational gaps in my writing here. I’m not for lack of motivation, per se. But I would (ever so humbly) admit that the sheer quantity of information to be explored has left me struggling to narrow my focus. For those who have read Sagan’s (famously skeptical) book, I’ll elaborate by adding that I just — five minutes prior to writing these words, in fact — finished the chapter on science education and children. I mention this because it struck me as another one of those “meta” moments for this blog, even now as I continue to narrow out my little niche a mere twenty-five posts along in this endeavor.

I don’t yet know what that means, but I wanted to share some quotes and observations from the book that I thought relevant to the notion of raising critical thinking kids. For example, Sagan writes:

Bright, curious children are a national and world resource. They need to be cared for, cherished, and encouraged. But mere encouragement isn’t enough. We must also give them the essential tools to think with. ^[1]

Perhaps this seems obvious — and who reading a skeptical parenting blog wouldn’t agree with that statement? But I’m not sure I remind myself and others of this sentiment often enough. It isn’t just about the idea of critical thinking. It’s about setting a foundation for a lifetime of critical thought. This is where self-doubt creeps in: what is that foundation, exactly? Heck, I’ve been plucking away just trying to define my purpose here, so when do I start asking the right questions? The BIG questions? Sagan goes on to remark:

Every now and then I’m lucky enough to teach a kindergarten or first-grade class. Many of these children are natural-born scientists — although heavy on the wonder side and light on skepticism. They’re curious, intellectually vigorous. Provocative and insightful questions bubble out of them. They exhibit enormous enthusiasm. I’m asked follow-up questions. They’ve never heard the notion of a “dumb question.” ^[1]

It is a concept that gives me new hope for the efforts of skeptical dads (and moms) everywhere. The idea that kids are natural scientists — vessels for knowledge with the tools of “why, why, why?” built right in — is an amazing prospect. And I think it gives a hint to why I myself was thinking along one of the lines of my “Three Eyes” of critical thought: Imagination is wonder, curiosity, and the sense of never hesitating to ask the questions. Imagination is creativity that is naturally built into every child from birth. Imagination is kids not being blinded by beliefs and previously held perceptions about the world and the way it works.

So back to the blog: my motivational gaps are tied to the very notion that I’m aiming to foster. The skep/dad blog is about parents being role-models for critical thought as they raise their children to become active thinkers — and part of that is, as Sagan suggests, not being afraid to ask our own dumb questions and look silly in our apparent ignorance of the answers. What that means for the future efforts of this blog is only positive — as I’m sure my readers can only imagine.

[1] Sagan, C. The Demon-Haunted World, Science as a Candle in the Dark, 1996.

Skeptical Tidbits

New Partners #2: We’ve been officially inducted into the Order of the Science Scouts — which basically means (a) a much appreciated link, and (b) I need to earn myself some badges!