Perspective/Critical Thinking – What’s the Difference?

A week ago I presented outrageous magazine covers as an example how marketers and the media try to use slip-ups in perspective against us.  On Friday I discussed earthing to show how we must be more skeptical, practice critical thinking.  Is there really a distinction?  Both perspective and critical thinking errors seem to result from acting based on emotional responses – thinking with our hearts rather than with our heads.

Although they are similar and can sometimes overlap, there are differences.  When you make a poor spending decision, it could be the result of poor perspective, buying something you don’t really need, acting contrary to your core values or not maintaining a sense of moderation.  Likewise poor spending decisions may result from inadequate critical thinking, buying something based on imaginary benefits or on a sales pitch that is logically flawed.

Those with poor perspective arrive at a store to battle, sometimes physically, over the limited edition footwear, yoga pants, smartphone or latest videogame.  I recently saw an advertisement recommending that you buy the new videogame at midnight and then call in sick to work the next day.  Being among the first to have a particular game is more important than having a job in a down economy?  Sitting out all night for tickets to see your favorite performer ranks higher than spending that time and money on more important things? Are our actions consistent with what we really value or say we value?  Do we have a sense of gratitude – appreciation for what we have rather than constantly longing for what we lack?

Those who fail in critical thinking spend money in pursuit of unproven products.  I listed energy wristbands (on January 13, 2012) in this category but also include anything that claims to be better merely because it is labeled as green, all natural, organic, pure, chemical-free or other such term.  My faith in Americans is challenged when I read an article about the government fining the Skechers Company for misleading people by claiming their shoes would magically make them slimmer or improve their muscle tone.  Seriously, people were deceived?  When I was young, PF Fliers claimed that they would make me run my fastest and jump my highest, but even at ten years old I knew they were just trying to sell shoes!

Perspective relates to poor assumptions about what is important or what we need vs. what we want.  Critical thinking relates to lack of adequate reflection or to being insufficiently skeptical.  Both lead to foolish choices, one from impulse and the other from naiveté, wishful thinking, or gullibility.