GETTING OUR KIDS TO THINK

I want to compliment YOU on the brilliant article in which philosopher Scott

Hershovitz answered kids’ questions (YOU, 4 June).

The honest and, where possible, factual answers will result in kids learning critical thinking and wanting evidencebased answers, rather than superstitions and made-up lies. Some questions cannot be answered with factual information, like what happens to us when we die. Does this result in a “life without purpose” as suggested by a reader (YOU Say, 4 August)? Absolutely not!

On the contrary, it makes one accept the responsibility to define one’s own purpose in life.

I would further contend that it is a sad attitude to generalise that our kids are “messed up”. There is strong evidence that in spite of the many problems facing humanity today, things are getting better. And if any reader thinks that is a fairytale, I say, do your research!

CHRIS NEETHLING, EMAIL