Simply instructing a young person to think critically is akin to telling them to be trendy. You might as well hire a character like Danny Zuko for that task; unfortunately, there are no straightforward lessons in being fashionable. Educators must approach the teaching of critical thinking subtly—by asking thought-provoking questions, expecting more than surface-level responses, and welcoming diverse perspectives. This process is what those outside the education field might refer to as “having a discussion.”
There are countless instances of critical thinking all around us; it’s just a matter of looking closely. For instance, many of us have heard the advice, “to thine own self be true,” attributed to Shakespeare. It’s so widely recognized that it borders on cliché, yet it seems undeniable: one must indeed be true to oneself. However, many who quote this phrase often overlook its deeper implications.
Engaging in critical thinking—though I admit, I’m not fond of the term—calls for a deeper analysis of such sayings. It urges us to go beyond the literal interpretation and consider context and origins. The line is spoken by Polonius, who gives this advice to his son Laertes as he prepares to leave for France.
But what if we strip this phrase of its historical weight and treat it as just another piece of advice? The first question we should ask is, “Who’s speaking?” Our knowledge of various individuals informs us of their reliability; we know some people are genuinely wise while others, bless their hearts, are anything but. A detached reading of Polonius might lead us to assume he’s foolish, and we wouldn’t be entirely wrong.
A comprehensive reading of Hamlet reveals that Polonius, despite his good intentions, is quite the comic figure. He is earnest but lacks true wisdom. Hamlet himself calls him a “tedious old fool.” Polonius’s well-meaning platitudes are rendered meaningless when we consider the source. It’s not unusual for a director to have Laertes roll his eyes at his father’s advice. Shakespeare cleverly uses Polonius to satirize so-called sage advice and, more profoundly, to question the entire concept of identity.
This scrutiny of “sage” advice is particularly crucial for college applicants for two main reasons. First, the top students—those earning straight A’s, taking numerous AP classes, and achieving stellar SAT scores—often find critical thinking challenging. They tend to accept Polonius’s words at face value, missing the opportunity to critique them. In contrast, those students who can see past the platitudes often stand out as attractive candidates for college.
Second, I emphasize Polonius because he embodies the common wisdom often paraded around college application workshops. Applicants frequently hear the exhortation to “be themselves.” While colleges wish for authenticity and discourage fabrication of personal narratives, telling applicants to be themselves doesn’t mean they should reveal everything.
Instead, students should view their applications as opportunities to showcase their best qualities. They can share meaningful stories and analyze their experiences in ways that are insightful and flattering. Engaging deeply with their own narratives—reflecting on experiences, strengths, and aspirations—can lead students to emerge from the application process more self-aware and confident.
Moreover, parents play a vital role in fostering their children’s intellectual growth. The journey toward developing critical thinking skills can sometimes be misinterpreted as mere argumentativeness. Instead of dismissing kids’ questions and disputes, parents should nurture them. While kids may initially argue from an emotional standpoint, transforming these exchanges into constructive discussions can lead to resolutions that are both amicable and enlightening.
Students who focus on enhancing their intellects and creating better versions of themselves, rather than just “being true” to their existing identities, will ultimately find greater pride in their accomplishments.
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Summary:
Encouraging critical thinking in students is essential for their growth, especially for college applicants who often misinterpret advice as mere platitudes. By fostering discussions and allowing them to engage deeply with their experiences, students can present their best selves in applications, ultimately leading to a more profound understanding of their identities.
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