Critical Thinking Skills?

 As someone who thinks that the term "conspiracy theorist" was created to demonize critical thinking about certain subjects, I love William Ramsey Investigates for the film analysis videos.

Ramsey has a decent web presence, with videos, podcasts, and books that you can check out. I usually check out his YouTube videos and the podcast I get via Podcast Addict. 

If you buy into the fact that "conspiracy theorists" are crazy, just stop here. You obviously have an opinion that won't be changed. Or, you can read on. Just remember this: it's only a theory if it's not true.

Ramsey's bio reads along the lines of "Attorney, Author, and Researcher William Ramsey is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in History. Mr. Ramsey also has a J.D. and is a member of the State Bar of California." Then it goes on to list some of the subjects he has written about. The book usually mentioned first will either make you roll your eyes or be a bit intrigued: Prophet of Evil: Aleister Crowley, 9/11 and the New World Order. I haven't read the book but I have heard Ramsey discuss Crowley via that podcast.

I'm not here to talk about Ramsey's various works; I just want to mention something I thought of when listening to one of his podcast guests.

Ramsey and his guest for a particular episode were discussing a film that I saw years ago - "Eyes Wide Shut". I didn't like the film - mainly because I didn't like the two lead actors - and only watched it with a friend who wanted to see it. I thought the film was stupid and pointless. Then my friend told me that I was missing the deeper messages embedded in the story.

Whatever.

Fast forward several years and I started listening to and having discussions about the many ways evil manifests in the real world. As a Christian, I've been long aware that the world is sin-corrupted, but I never thought much about the various methods of that corruption. Listening to Ramsey and others who discuss such things, I learned that I have been a "surface" observer of many things.

On the surface, Kubrick's film is a big yawn. Looking deeper, it is full of symbolism and messages that should be more obvious to someone who is halfway well-read and educated. You can take a look at the 2-part analysis Ramsey's guest presented.

What do you think of their breakdown? Did you want to go back and take another look at the film? I didn't have to. Whether the information is legit or not, I missed picking up on half of what was presented.

Anyway.

My point is that we (or maybe just I) have gotten overwhelmed by the constant surge of information and tech noise. News and entertainment and other distractions are always whizzing around so fast that it's difficult to slow down and look closely at any one thing. Things blur and I have to remember to take the time to stop and focus.  Does that make sense? 

I am trying to keep a promise to myself to start paying closer attention. To everything. I need to sharpen the critical thinking skills I once had. What about you?

Peace

--Free