Growing into Critical Thinking:
A Personal Narrative
My path to understanding how we think began in an unexpected way. As a preteen, I found myself facing challenges that would have tested adults: in other ways, I led a normal, happy life.
Seeking answers to the vagaries of life, I dove into almost any book I could get my hand on. By twelve, I was immersing myself in everything from Taylor Caldwell's historical novels rich with complex characters to Carl Jung's psychological insights and philosophical works that made my mind stretch in new ways. While some concepts flew over my head, these books sparked my curiosity far more than my school assignments ever did.
My understanding of thinking grew through three main channels: careful observation of the world around me, conversations with people from all walks of life, and an ever-expanding reading list. My work and research journey has taken me across 34 countries on six continents, even brushing the edges of Antarctica, each place adding new perspectives to my mental toolkit.
The formal side of my education in critical thinking really took shape during my time at Macquarie University, where I studied under Rex Meyer (who would later obtain the Order of Australia) on an Australian Government Fellowship. While we did not always refer to this process as "critical thinking", those lessons in how to analyze, question, and understand would prove invaluable.
My professional life has required constant adaptation, pushing me to refine my thinking skills in new ways. I co-authored the book Dilemma of Science with Professor Arnoldo Ventura, then the Chairman of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development, and which was launched at the Organization of American States in Washington DC. Later, as a biographer, I had the privilege of documenting the lives of remarkable individuals like the Honourable Oliver Jones (as co-author), the Honourable Arnold Foote, and in 2024, the Honourable Lascelles Chin (you may see the latter book under Books). I also edited Sir Alister McIntyre's autobiography.
But it is not just the stories of prominent figures that capture my attention. Some of the most profound lessons in thinking come from less visible places - like my best friend when I was a teenager, an orphan who became a mother at 17 and showed remarkable resilience and used critical thinking in her own way to progress in her life under the most daunting circumstances. These experiences have taught me that critical thinking is not just an academic exercise - it's a vital skill for understanding and navigating life's complexities. You learn not only your strengths but identify the limitations that you need to continually monitor so that they do not trip you up
I aloaso recognized that not everyone will dive deep into some of the disciplines associated with critical thinking - such as delving into the analysis of logical fallacies in conversations or exploring the intricacies of cognitive biases, however, we all need practical tools for better thinking.
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That's why I developed Fit Thinking™—making these vital critical thinking skills more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. By stripping away the complex terminology typically associated with critical thinking, the programme focuses on practical tools that people can easily incorporate into their daily lives and decision-making processes.
Fit Thinking™ transforms abstract concepts into concrete practices that feel natural and intuitive, rather than academic or overwhelming. This approach helps people strengthen their thinking abilities just as they might build physical fitness, through regular practice and gradual improvement.
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I am not only fascinated with critical thinking but also interested in exploring various dimensions of human thought, including everything from creative and lateral thinking to divergent/convergent approaches, as well as delving into philosophical contemplation and spiritual reflection, as all these forms of thinking contribute to our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Therefore, my story - and your story - will always continue.
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