Critical thinkers have the ability to think at a higher level. A critical thinking process is necessary to arrive at decisions and ideas that will ensure a better life for ourselves and those around us. Most of us take thinking for granted. However, we become critical thinkers when we open ourselves to recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of our own thinking. Higher-order thinking comes into play when it comes to choosing a presidential candidate, serving on a jury in a murder trial, deciding whether we need nuclear power plants, or determining the effects of global warming. As a critical thinker, one becomes a more responsible and active member of society. (Schafersman, SD, 1991). To put ourselves on the path to critical thinking, we must acquire the attributes of a critical thinker and learn to be fair and recognize our own ignorance. Traits of a Critical Thinker In order to improve thinking skills, one needs intellectual integrity. , humility, sense of justice, perseverance, impartiality, confidence in reason, intellectual courage, empathy and autonomy. These traits allow one to use very insightful thinking. A person with poor critical thinking may become good at winning arguments, but they do not develop a sense of fairness. (Paul & Elder, 2006). Being an impartial thinker can be difficult. This requires considering points of view other than one's own. A person cannot seek his own benefit or that of his friends. We can't always be fair because our ego gets in the way. However, striving to develop an unbiased brain will allow us to discover the truth about an issue. All of the traits described above contribute to the development of unbiased thinking... middle of paper... an ability to draw fair conclusions. (Paul & Elder, 2006). Intellectual integrity, humility, a sense of justice, perseverance, fairness of mind, trust in reason, intellectual courage, empathy and autonomy are all traits necessary to create a a critical thinker with a fair and disciplined mind. . When we overcome our own self-centered thinking, we can become a nonconformist with the ability to think for ourselves. This makes us a better thinker and decision-maker and, therefore, a better contributor to society. ReferencesPaul, R. and Elder, L. (2006). Critical Thinking: Tools to Take Charge of Your Learning and Your Life (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Schafersman, SD (January 1991). An introduction to critical thinking. Accessed August 1, 2008 from website: http://www.freeinquiry.com/critical-thinking.html