Critical Thinking

Clinton Wells

8^th, February 2018

English III, EGF 3

Professor Dollieslager

Critical Thinking Journal Number One

Henry Ford

Henry Ford, born on July 30^th, 1863, in Springwells Township, Michigan, possessed a passion for metal working. Following his passion, Ford left the family home to pursue his interest in metallurgy. In 1896 Ford completed his first engine and continued to build cars with financial backers including friends and family. Ford grew a great business, raising wages for his workers, and providing vehicles to the U.S. and then the world. Ford combatted many hindrances in his quest to include; newspapers, investors, workers, unions, and the government. Conquering each in turn and occasionally all at once, Ford built his dream. Although it is unclear when Ford said this quote, today I am focusing on Ford’s quote, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." ( PBS)

This quote spoken or written in many ways across time emphasizes the need to have a positive attitude when trying to accomplish something. Also, it could be argued that just having a positive attitude can produce a favorable outcome. With a positive attitude, you can get up when you are knocked down or take a minor setback as part of the learning process. Although it can also be said, the only time defeat is upon you, is when you give up. (quoteinvestigator.com)

In Ford’s life, he had to face many challenges, from the construction of his first engine to recouping his company from the board of investors. His clever actions and imaginative solutions to complications helped him get through the challenging periods and thrive when times were good. Ford felt that he could do virtually anything, to the point of attempting to end World War 1. I think Ford’s implementation of this quote helped him keep his mind fixated on the job at hand and moving onward with his vision. (PBS, The Life of Henry Ford; wallstreetinsanity.com)

I am a firm believer in this quote as well. I have attempted to teach a similar ideal to my wife, in asking her if she never set out to fail or accept that failing was not the end of the world. Her views on failure carry way more weight than mine. When I set out on a project, like starting a business or going back to school, my mindset is that I will never fail. I know what I want, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish it. Sometimes it is difficult with bills, family, and work, but my wife and I together can handle anything. Finally, I have even had conversations with people of a like mind, if they felt that just believing a thing is so, could it be so? I believe it could be.

Cited

“The Life of Henry Ford.” PBS, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/henryford/ . Accessed 5th February 2018.

“Whether You Believe You Can Do a Thing or Not, You Are Right.” Quote Investigator, February 5th, 2015, https://quoteinvestigator.com/2015/02/03/you-can/ . Accessed 5th February 2018.

Foster, Jennifer. “Whether You Think You Can…Or Whether You Think You Can’t…You’re Right!” Wall Street Insanity, 25th February 2013, http://wallstreetinsanity.com/whether-you-think-you-can-or-whether-you-think-you-cant-youre-right/ . Accessed 5th February 2018.

Clinton Wells

April 22, 2018

English III

CTJ #3 Paulo Coelho

Critical Thinking Journal Number Three

Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho was born on August 24^th, 1947 in Brazil, to a father who was an engineer and a mother who was a homemaker. The family was religious and was very in tune with the then modern-day rituals of the Catholic church. Wanting to be a writer was not an option accepted by his family but was a desire that Paulo would not let go. Paulo’s parents had him committed at age 17, because of this divergence from a traditional Catholic life path, until he was 20. Once released, Paulo enrolled in law school but left school to spend time touring the world. On his journeys, he met many people and learned much about the world. On the 2^nd of June 2012, Paulo tweeted “The world is changed by your example, not your opinion.” This profound statement stirs a feeling of action. One should understand that doing good is as good as teaching good, or showing the truth is as good as telling the truth. I think we could all learn a great deal from this statement.

This statement can be turned into a way of life. From the moment I wake up and start my day I can change how I view things and how I interact with the world. When I get up early enough, I am not in a rush. Not being in a rush allows for a healthier change in diet. Leaving early for an appointment allows for better choices while driving. Using a turn signal or driving the speed limit could be examples of change. These changes could be observed by other drivers on the road and they could pick up these good habits. Another notable example put forth might be to stay silent when listening is needed. Everyone might be able to learn from this example and learn because of this example. Not interrupting someone who is trying to teach, or coach would allow for better communication.

All these examples are done through non-verbal communication. Onlookers would see an improvement in weight, skin condition and overall health in a better diet. While driving, fellow drivers can pick up on attentiveness to detail while on the road. And hopefully, while in class, classmates can learn from attentiveness and relevant conversation in class. All these things, I hope, could make changes in the world. These, plus many other changes, I have made. I am not sure if they have had an impact on the world, but I am hopeful and will be paying attention.

Works Cited

'Paulo Coelho', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 4 April 2018, 06:09 UTC, <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paulo_Coelho&oldid=834153654> Accessed 23 April 2018

Clinton Wells

April 23, 2018

English III

CTJ Heraclitus

Critical Thinking Journal Number Four

Heraclitus

Heraclitus was born somewhere around 535 BC. He was born and lived in Ephesus. He became the king of his village, but gave this honor to his younger brother. Heraclitus was called a philosopher, a scientific cosmologist, and a metaphysician based on his writings. Heraclitus believed the fire was the main constant in the universe and that all things had a beginning and an end, but also worked together as he felt humans should. Most of his work dealt with paradoxical observations, bringing together clear opposites and describing how they must work together. Today I will be talking about Heraclitus’ quote, “Opposition brings concord: Out of discord comes the fairest harmony.” Heraclitus found many oppositions in life that worked together. In some ways, one might not exist without the other.

Another example of this quote is explained on a website named Soul Spelunker, posted by Zeteticus. His examples were of pulling a bow across the strings of a stringed instrument. The friction between the two items makes beautiful music in the hands of a musician, or awkward noises in the hand of a novice. Zeteticus talks about a bow and arrow as an example also. The tight bow string, pulled tight across the bow can send the arrow flying. Although I think the second would cause war instead of bringing the fairest harmony.

I have practiced in my own home quasi arguments about politics, religion, life, and love from two or more perspectives. I also encourage my family and guests to discuss openly their beliefs. Although some of these discussions end poorly, I am sure that most everyone comes away with a little more perspective and hopefully a little more understanding. I know that I lost a few friends along the way, but I am at peace, and I hope they are too.

Works Cited

Graham, Daniel. “Herclitus.” The Stamford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Edward N. Zalta. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/heraclitus/. Accessed 30^th April 2018.

Zeteticus. “The Doctors of Soul: Heraclitus.” Soul Spelunker, WordPress, soulspelunker.com/2013/10/the-doctors-of-soul-heraclitus.html.