What is a Skeptic?
How many times have you heard someone say that we humans only use ten percent of our brains? It’s a common myth. When I hear someone repeat that claim I make sure to ask the person, “What part of your brain would you be willing to do without? If ninety percent of your brain is doing nothing, surely you have some to spare.” I like the ten percent myth because it often leads to a discussion on one of my favorite topics — skepticism. I get to expound on critical thinking, Occam’s Razor and a method for regarding various claims in a way that my victim may have never considered. If I can pique someone’s interest in skepticism and critical thinking, and if I can show that person how an inquiring mind can serve them in many areas of their own life, I am one happy skeptic. Why should I care? Does it really matter what a person believes if it’s not harming anyone? If that was all there was to the question, I would probably say no. But that’s not how I see it. Quack medicine is on the rise. Dang
