Critical thinking and creative thinking are interrelated and used together in most instances to make decisions. Creative thinking manifests new ideas and innovative solutions, while critical thinking evaluates the quality and usefulness of these ideas and solutions. Critical thinking involves gathering information, analysis of the information, and evaluation of it "for the purposes of gaining understanding, solving a problem, or making a decision" ("Critical" 78). The top three lessons I learned about critical thinking in this chapter are: 1) critical thinking skills can be improved over time with practice; 2) despite being unaware of it, I ask many creative and critical thinking questions on a daily basis; and 3) the proper environment and giving yourself patience and ample time are necessary for creative thinking. I can apply these lessons in my daily life and career by working on the skills that help develop critical and creative thinking, like brainstorming, asking "what if" questions, and challenging my assumptions about other people, cultures, and their beliefs and values. Creating an environment more conducive to creativity at home and work will enable me to develop my creativity in a more successful manner. Recognizing the combined use of creative and critical thinking can be applied when I am evaluating information at work to help discover innovative approaches to achieving goals.
"Critical and creative thinking," Chapter 3, pp. 74-118.
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