WALK

I think most present-day Americans would agree that our collective thinking leaves much to be desired. (Those who haven't noticed this problem are probably not doing too much thinking at all, in my opinion.)

We blame it on the short attention span that has been fostered by technology. To an extent, I am sure this has an impact.

But maybe the bigger issue is how much of our time the screens consume. Especially the percentage of our leisure hours. There is no longer any "down time", only "screen time". 

I doubt the cure for our lack of critical thinking will come through our education system. And it won't come from the internet - critical thinking skills run counter to the business model.

Here's my suggested cure: a mandatory daily walk for every citizen. Twenty minutes minimum. No headphones. 

** Just alone with your thoughts. **

(Or holding hands with your sweetheart, your kids, or your elderly parent.) 

Mandatory walks for every man, woman, and child in the country. No matter the weather. Day after day after day.

It's impossible to institute, of course, but can you doubt that such a thing would result in a real shift in our culture? 

Of monumental proportions. 

And 100% for the better.