> Critical thinking is a lot harder than just saying, "Don't believe other people." Indeed, and I didn't write that the Santa Claus myth is sufficient on this

> Critical thinking is a lot harder than just saying, "Don't believe other people." Indeed, and I didn't write that the Santa Claus myth is sufficient on this behalf, but that it may help. Are you rejecting anything but a perfect (simple and exhaustive) way to teach critical thinking? I never crossed one, and doubt it exists for any complex philosophical asset. Refusing any other way exposes to the 'perfect solution fallacy'. > if you sabotage the process by openly betraying them in a huge way early on. I doubt kids learning that Santa Claus is a myth feel betrayed, and never perceived it (I was born in 1967 and have a daughter). The SC myth is well-built because when discovering its nature a kid understands that the lie is innocuous and even pleasant (gifts, gatherings...), and therefore not really a 'betraying'. He can then proceed to other conclusions about intents, the way he forms his own beliefs... I'm not fond of the SC myth nor do I practice it, however I try to be objective (this is part of critical thinking!).