(Applause)

Is there anything more important

than how well we can think?

If you don't think so,

then I’d ask you to think about the fact

that you just had to think that.

(Laughter)

And as we look around the world today

at the many serious problems that we’re facing,

serious problems of war and climate change and untold political strife,

I don’t think I’m the only one who’s noticed.

As well as the very real problems we face in our personal lives

and the problems that our children will face.

Is there anyone who thinks that this is a problem

of too much critical thinking?

Anyone?

Anyone?

Bueller?

(Laughter)

Bueller?

I don’t think so either.

And that's why in 2011, I founded the country's first academic office,

specifically devoted to the teaching of critical thinking

and why I eventually founded the Critical Thinking Institute.

I set myself what was a rather humble challenge,

a simple ambition if you will,

All I wanted to do was figure out how to teach

everybody in the world how to think critically.

Yeah, I know. That's it.

I also have other humble ambitions.

I like tilting at windmills,

and someday think the New York Giants might win another Super Bowl.

(Laughter)

But that was my goal.

I wanted to teach everybody how to think critically,

from kids through teens to adults,

through kindergartens and college classrooms and corporate boardrooms.

So what is this thing that we call critical thinking?

Well, this is just a short list of all the things that critical thinking is.