Rational Thinking -- Definition, Importance, History, and Future

Our species, Homo sapiens, is the first and, so far, still the only species to possess the capability to think rationally. All of the amazing progress that we enjoy could not have happened without rational thought. Obviously, our unique ability is extremely important.

Can you define precisely what is and what is not rational thinking? Do you think rationally?

Just because we have an ability does not mean that we always - or even usually - use it. We have the ability to run, but most of us do not run very often. Running is kind of hard work, so we do it only when it's important. However, some small fraction of us seems to enjoy running; they do it voluntarily. Rational thinking also is hard work, so many people do as little of it as they possibly can. Fortunately, like runners, some people seem to enjoy rational thinking. Also as with runners, there is a wide range of rational thinking abilities and it takes steady practice to be really good at it.

A relatively small cadre of rational thinkers can make contributions that lift and benefit all of society. That surely has happened. However, we are finding out that a small cadre of rational thinking practitioners focused on the scientific disciplines is not sufficient to maintain and advance a free and prosperous society. We are in deep trouble in that regard.

In the early chapters, rational thinking and rational self-interest are carefully defined. The high points in the progress of rational thought from its beginning to the present are summarized. We pause in the present to evaluate our condition before proceeding to project the most probable future. It's Homo sapiens from our very beginning to our eventual end.

Roy Minet majored in physics in college, but accepted a first job offer in engineering with a large multi-national corporation. Following that were positions in sales, then marketing management and finally management of a strategic business planning group, all for the same corporation. Moving into small business, he bought and operated a beer distributorship for 12 years before selling it. While distributing (and perhaps drinking) beer, he founded Intelligent Computer Systems, Inc., which pioneered comprehensive, integrated, real-time business software and installed turnkey computer systems for distribution businesses nationwide. After 22 years, ICS was sold to the 3M Corporation. Mr. Minet is now retired and pursuing a backlog of personal projects; most notably, improving all aspects of elections. He also has taught economics part time in 11th and 12th grades with the Junior Achievement program. Approximately 40 of his op-ed columns have been published. Mr. Minet was the Libertarian Party's candidate for Pennsylvania Auditor General in 2016.