Sam Kelley

On page 101, Kant first discusses critical thinking and how it is a necessary daily habit and “a legacy to the Enlightenment.” This really struck me because in my life I am familiar with people who follow a political voice. The political voices are not actively involved in politics themselves but rather will digest the news that they deem relevant, translate it into their own words and then give it to their audience. Many people follow these political voices religiously and the fact is that their involvement in our political system is majorly governed by them. People trust one person more than a news source because they have the misconceived notion that there is a personal relationship between them and the political voice. Although, the truth is that these people who can dictate certain contributions in the political system most often aren’t saying the things they say because they truly believe them but because they know that they will gain higher ratings and maybe boost their viewing or listening numbers. In short, some people need to acquire their own voice rather than just trusting one person that they have been following for the past few years.

Kant’s thoughts could also apply to identity politics so rather than believing that because you fall into a certain ethnic or racial group you must vote for one person you should gain your own individualism. Both dutifully following a political voice or acting a way because you fall into a certain class or group are easy traps to fall in to but we should cultivate our critical thinking so “we become independent and skeptical adults , never carried away by mere prejudice or habit, and willing to examine all beliefs.”