The Importance of Friendship and Critical Thinking in Modern Society

Friendship, as viewed from a philosophical perspective, holds significant importance. It is a bond that must be established between two or more individuals, guided by certain criteria that evolve as the relationship progresses. In a society increasingly focused on individualism, the concept of friendship serves as a counterbalance, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond one's ego and fostering genuine connections based on shared values and mutual respect.

Aristotle delineates three distinct models of friendship. The first model revolves around utility, where individuals form friendships based on mutual benefit. The second model, characterized by pleasure, entails friendships that are short-lived and centered around enjoyment. The third and most profound model is based on virtue, where friendships are rooted in shared values, equality, and a deep sense of honesty and respect. This model emphasizes the intrinsic joy and fulfillment that genuine friendships bring, highlighting the rarity and significance of such relationships in contemporary society.

Aristotle's assertion that humans are inherently social beings underscores the fundamental need for interpersonal connections and community. This concept is further supported by a longitudinal study that tracked individuals' happiness and health over decades, revealing that the quality of relationships significantly impacts overall well-being. The study emphasizes the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships throughout life, as genuine social connections contribute to a sense of fulfillment and happiness, ultimately defining the richness and success of one's life journey.

The social experiment aimed to achieve above-average happiness and health levels. It highlighted the challenges faced by self-help books in today's society compared to the past.

In the past, advice mainly came from parents and friends due to limited social interactions. With the rise of the internet and changing social dynamics, seeking advice from others has become more challenging.

Self-help books predominantly focus on the individual, lacking content that considers others. This self-centered approach can lead to generic advice that may not address personal struggles effectively.

Emphasizing the importance of investing time in friendships, as they provide support and understanding that self-help books may not offer. Encouraging young people to nurture meaningful relationships for genuine support.

Society places a high value on appearing happy, often prioritizing external indicators of happiness over genuine well-being. The modern pursuit of happiness is characterized by materialistic achievements and consumption.

The contemporary view of happiness focuses on achieving external goals and experiences, leading to a checklist mentality. Happiness is now objectified as something to be conquered through consumption and achievement.

Society has transitioned from material consumption to emotional consumption, where experiences are marketed as essential for happiness. The emphasis is on consuming emotions and experiences to fulfill the pursuit of happiness.

Excessive consumption of experiences can lead to a sense of aimlessness and anxiety when individuals are not constantly engaged. An experiment revealed that a significant number of people were willing to electrocute themselves after just six minutes of being without their phones, highlighting society's addiction to constant stimulation.

In today's digital age, individuals struggle with hyperactivity and the need to constantly engage in activities to avoid boredom. This hyperactivity stems from an inability to be present in the moment and a reliance on external stimuli for satisfaction.

Social media platforms allow individuals to create idealized versions of themselves, presenting curated images to the public. This ability to control one's online persona can lead to a disconnect between virtual and real identities, impacting self-esteem and perception.

Spending excessive time creating and interacting with virtual avatars can distort one's self-perception and lead to a disconnect from reality. This phenomenon, reminiscent of the myth of Narcissus from ancient Greece, can have detrimental effects on self-esteem and mental well-being.

The story begins with Narcissus' mother, the nymph Liriope, seeking advice from the wise Tiresias in the city of Thebes about her son's future. Tiresias predicts that Narcissus will live to old age, which worries his mother. Narcissus, known for his beauty, rejects love and ends up tragically falling in love with his own reflection in a lake, leading to his demise.

The myth of Narcissus serves as a cautionary tale for modern youth, highlighting the dangers of excessive self-absorption and obsession with self-image, particularly in the age of social media. Young individuals today often prioritize virtual personas over real-life experiences, investing more energy in self-evaluation through online platforms.

Jose Carlos emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, which involves understanding the interconnectedness of our world and the influence of circumstances on individual perspectives. Ortega y Gasset's concept of 'I am I and my circumstance' underscores the significance of external factors such as social background, education, and upbringing in shaping one's identity and worldview.

Educating young individuals to think critically involves two key elements: recognizing the impact of circumstances on personal development and understanding the role of context in decision-making. By acknowledging how external factors shape one's identity and learning to interpret different contexts effectively, individuals can enhance their ability to think critically and make informed choices.

Teaching children to look beyond superficiality in images like photographs and advertisements throughout a school year fosters a deeper level of questioning and critical thinking. This approach aims to cultivate a mindset that values probing beneath the surface to uncover deeper meanings and implications.

Epictetus, a former slave of Epaphroditus who was freed by Nero, exemplifies Stoic philosophy. Epictetus, after gaining freedom, established a Stoic philosophical school on a Greek island. His teachings emphasize personal responsibility, self-awareness, and the importance of distinguishing between what is within one's control and what is not.

In the fast-paced 21st century, where information transmission speed surpasses reflective analysis, individuals must take ownership of their opinions. Epictetus' advice to guard one's opinions underscores the significance of critically evaluating and being accountable for one's beliefs in a world inundated with rapid information dissemination.

Epictetus advocates for individuals to carefully consider their aspirations and goals in life. By encouraging individuals to introspectively examine their desires and ambitions, he highlights the importance of aligning personal aspirations with intrinsic values and avoiding the adoption of external aspirations that may lead to inner conflict.

Epictetus advises individuals to be cautious about the influence of external opinions, particularly in the age of social media. While positive feedback from loved ones can be beneficial, undue importance placed on external validation, especially from online platforms, can be detrimental to one's self-esteem and well-being.

Individuals should strive to cultivate a strong sense of self-identity without seeking universal approval. Epictetus emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal integrity and authenticity, urging individuals to prioritize self-acceptance over conforming to societal expectations or seeking validation from others.

Epictetus underscores the significance of concentrating on personal achievements rather than fixating on the accomplishments or opinions of others. By encouraging individuals to set meaningful goals within their control and not be swayed by external influences, he promotes a mindset of self-reliance and self-improvement.

In ancient Rome, Tito inaugurated the Colosseum in 80 AD due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum. Tito accelerated the completion of the Colosseum, offering 100 days of free entertainment to the public, including morning games and afternoon gladiator fights. Additionally, bread was distributed to the audience during breaks, combining entertainment with sustenance.

In the 21st century, critical thinking is crucial to avoid being manipulated by sensationalism and distractions. Without utilizing critical thinking skills, individuals risk succumbing to mindless entertainment, leading to a lack of attention and awareness. It is essential to cultivate critical thinking from a young age to encourage proper reasoning and understanding of complex issues.

Cultivating critical thinking skills involves fostering elements like wonder and curiosity from a young age. By nurturing these foundational aspects of critical thinking, individuals can develop a profound ability to question and analyze information effectively. Encouraging a sense of wonder and curiosity can lead to a deeper understanding of the world and promote a habit of questioning the status quo.

Developing critical thinking skills is akin to planting a tree, requiring time and effort for growth and maturity. Initially, investing in critical thinking may seem laborious and unrewarding, similar to tending to a young tree. However, as critical thinking skills mature and take root, individuals can navigate complex issues with ease and enjoy the benefits of intellectual growth and insight.

The concept of protomind involves the presence of wonder within exceptions. It signifies encountering something innovative that typically remains unexplored. The philosophical attitude of wonder should serve as the starting point, fostering curiosity and questioning. This approach aims to cultivate a sense of amazement in everyday occurrences, prompting individuals to ponder simple phenomena like the temperature change in water taps or the passage of time during daily routines.

Training individuals to question and be curious leads to the development of genuine interest and critical thinking skills. Encouraging individuals to inquire 'why' about various aspects of daily life fosters a mindset of exploration and understanding. This curiosity acts as a counterbalance to phenomena like post-truth, enabling individuals to comprehend the functioning of reality and make informed decisions.

Encouraging children to engage in imaginative play and analytical thinking enhances their interest and engagement with activities. By involving children in the decision-making process regarding their toys and games, based on their preferences and interests, parents can significantly impact their level of engagement and sustained interest in play. This approach fosters a deeper connection to activities and motivates children to explore and learn actively.

The selection of friendships and activities plays a crucial role in shaping the protomind of children. By guiding children to make decisions based on their interests and motivations, parents can influence the development of a curious and engaged mindset. These early experiences contribute to the formation of critical thinking skills and a sense of wonder that can benefit children in their future endeavors.

In today's fast-paced society, the 'turbotemporalidad' or rapid pace of life poses challenges to nurturing curiosity and critical thinking in children. The abundance of choices and distractions can hinder the development of a questioning mindset. Parents and educators must prioritize fostering curiosity and critical thinking skills in children to help them navigate the complexities of the modern world effectively.

It is crucial to enrich the attention of individuals, such as children, by engaging with them in a meaningful way. Failing to do so may result in them ignoring or not fully utilizing the attention given to them. This can be achieved by returning their attention enriched through questioning or sparking curiosity, fostering a sense of worthiness and growth.

There is a significant debt owed to individuals, whether they are children, students, partners, or friends, who offer their attention. It is essential to be aware of this debt during the learning process and when analyzing interactions. Failing to utilize the attention given can lead to a deterioration in the quality of attention received over time.

The exploration of superheroes, as done by José Carlos in his book dedicated to the topic, offers valuable insights. By delving into the characteristics and human aspects of superheroes like Superman, one can uncover lessons in humility, continuous improvement, and the balance between power and humanity.

Superheroes serve as powerful role models, especially for mothers and educators, highlighting the importance of acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses. Just like superheroes have vulnerabilities, it is essential for individuals, including parents and teachers, to embrace and share their own vulnerabilities naturally with others.

Spider-Man, as an adolescent character with a passion for science and curiosity, exemplifies the journey of self-discovery and transformation. His story emphasizes the significance of perseverance, scientific inquiry, and utilizing one's unique abilities for the greater good, showcasing the potential for growth and innovation through dedicated exploration and learning.

In the early comics, Spider-Man is depicted fighting in a series of cages every night to earn money. One day, the collection from the fighting site passes by him, leading to a murder investigation where he discovers the thief was his uncle's killer. This pivotal moment changes his perspective, understanding the responsibility that comes with great power, echoing Spider-Man's famous phrase.

Wonder Woman, created with the concept of the 'Lasso of Truth,' symbolizes truth and peace. Her creator believed in the power of truth and dialogue to change people. Wonder Woman's ability to show the truth and offer second chances reflects her belief in humanity's potential for good, emphasizing the importance of honesty and understanding in shaping the world.

Batman, a superhero without natural superpowers, symbolizes bravery and overcoming fear. His journey involves facing childhood fears and adopting values like courage and cooperation. Batman's choice to mentor orphaned children highlights the importance of teamwork and mentorship in creating a positive impact on society.

The essence of superheroes lies in embodying values like responsibility, truth, bravery, and cooperation. Through their stories, superheroes inspire individuals to confront challenges, embrace virtues, and make a positive difference in the world. They serve as role models, promoting a message of hope, trust, and goodness amidst a society often inundated with negative news.