It’s like the age-old question: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? But when it comes to character or critical thinking, I believe that it is a matter of which will benefit you more in the long run.

Here’s a case in point. I was watching a true crime program the other day about a man who was a decorated colonel in the Canadian Forces. He was intelligent, skillful, experienced, knowledgeable, and by all accounts, respectable. On paper he was impressive. In appearance, he was impeccable. But in fact, he was a depraved serial killer. This same man was convicted of raping and murdering several young women over a period of several years. He not only confessed to these crimes, but the evidence that led to his capture included very graphic, disturbing video tapes which he made while committing these horrible acts, giving a glimpse into just how devoid of character he really was. People in his community were completely stunned.

Now, this is an extreme case, I know. But I chose to recount it here because it so clearly points to our tendency to overlook WHO a person is because we are so focused on WHAT they produce. In spite of their great accomplishments, some of the most brilliant people in history were actually despised by many because of their undeveloped character. In essence, they gained the whole world but lost their souls.

Is this the kind of life we want to lead our young scholars into? Surely not! Therefore, we as parents and educators would do well to emphasize and even prioritize the development of character above the development of critical thinking skills. Are critical skills important? Yes, indeed they are. But I believe that they are more easily developed and more aptly appropriated when they are founded upon the tenets of good character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

Having and keeping a clear sense of right and wrong will ultimately guide them in their thinking, thereby producing actions that are not only intelligent, but wise.