Critical thinking involves actively evaluating information to reach well-reasoned conclusions. It requires knowing a set of critical questions, asking and answering them at the right times, and the commitment to use them consistently. This approach turns passive information absorption into active analysis and evaluation.

Two methods illustrate different thinking styles: the "sponge" and "panning for gold." The sponge method simply absorbs information without judgment. While useful for gathering knowledge, it fails to differentiate good ideas from bad ones. On the other hand, panning for gold sifts through information, retaining valuable insights and discarding the rest. Critical thinking adopts the panning approach, engaging with information through critical questions.

Critical questions serve to challenge assumptions, reveal ambiguities, and evaluate reasoning and evidence quality. They help decide which ideas to accept and which to reject. While critical thinking often tackles controversial issues with no clear right answers, it can still identify more reasonable and robust positions, enhancing communication skills.

There are weak and strong forms of critical thinking. Weak-sense critical thinking defends one's own views, while strong-sense critically examines all views, including one’s own. To develop, one should practice the strong form.

Building critical thinking skills requires the courage to revisit long-held beliefs, practice with critical questions, and openness to new answers. The reward lies in systematically discerning what to believe.