Individually, humans have thoughts we do not speak of, or would only speak of to someone very private. Critical thinking is something people do not often understand, or do….which is sometimes not good.
Humans have intrusive thoughts, thoughts that you do not really mean. Like pushing someone out of the window, or hitting another car in traffic, or you wanting to harm someone else, but of course you don’t because you are a good person.
Humans have good thoughts. About good things like dogs, how pretty their partners is, their hope of the future, children, good television shows, kittens, good news you received, etc.
Humans have bad thoughts. About the world, the bad things they did, wanting to die, regretting choices, thinking themselves ugly, thinking others ugly, hating people for their skin, gender, or opinion, etc.
But there is something that sorta of, in my own opinion, combines all three: critical thinking. When we say critical thinking, everyone has something different in their minds. Some think it’s making a big choice, some think doing math, and some think its those thoughts.
The thoughts when you’re awake in the middle of the night, looking at the ceiling, or at the person beside you, or at the wall. The thoughts you have while on a long drive, and no one to talk too. The thoughts you have in the bath, while your eyes are closed. The thoughts you have at your desk, or your work place and its a quiet moment. The thought you had after a terrible fight with a loved one. The thoughts you’ve had every so often, especially when you have so much on your plate.
Those thoughts about your future, the thoughts of what you are, who you are, why you are alive, and why should you be alive. Those thoughts.
They can belong to anyone, and everyone. They do belong to anyone and everyone. It is not uncommon, and you are normal with those thoughts.
I think there is something to be said of those thoughts, and despite it, they can be good. They are good. They hold weight, more so to those with mental illnesses.
Mental illness does not inhibit any critical thought, I personally think it increases it. Do you know someone with a mental illness? Have you ever heard their thoughts? Their true thoughts?
If you had not, do it soon. Ask them some vague questions about things any topic, and listen. You’ll hear new perspectives, you’ll hear things you never once thought before. Maybe it will make you look at the ceiling, and have those thoughts.
It is not to say someone without a mental illness can not think analytically, like I said, this is something everyone knows. The power of a thought is universal.
I want to believe all people know how to think, and think about things beside their daily tasks. Those thoughts rest in someone’s head, behind their eyes and smiles when you’re talking to them. As they stand there at a counter, sitting at a table, in bed, looking at their computer screen. I, on occasion, look at a stranger behind the cashier counter and watch them. Wondering what they think, what their life is, what they’re going through in their lives. I hope everyone else does this on occasion too.
Love, the Not Social Kid.
This is shit real life? 