The Demise of Reflection
by Robert W. Wendover

Like many people, there are times when I feel like I live in a pressure-cooker: too many decisions, not enough time. Am I managing my actions according to urgency or importance? Am I making choices based on wisdom or reaction?

Every once in a while I reflect on reflection. Granted, I generally prefer my solitude to the non-stop pace that seems so enveloping today. But I also wonder what impact it’s having on the emerging generations.

Many parents seem intent on packing their kids’ days with non-stop activity. “Karate before school, piano at 3:30 and soccer at 5:00. We can grab dinner on the way to church group at 7:00. Oh, and don’t forget to do your homework.” Are we creating a society of young minimalists?

I recently discovered a Mom who has her kids developing to-do lists at ages eight and four. At first, I worried that my kids are not accomplishing as much as her kids. But then again, I may place more value on imagination.

Teachers complain of students’ lack of creativity in the assignments they submit. Yes, even a 12-year-old can produce a dazzling PowerPoint presentation on the Civil Rights movement. But does that prove she’s really reflected on the impact of this era or simply cut and pasted video clips and fancy graphics?

The wisdom-filled leaders I know deliberately take time to think, contem-plate, imagine, reflect, and generally let their minds wander. Theirs is a world where making decisions is a product of reading, discussing, debating, and listening--not doing.

What will happen to critical thinking if we don’t take time for reflection?

Robert W. Wendover is the Director of The Center for Generational Studies. Contact him at wendover@gentrends.com

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