The need to think

Consider if you will neural network theory. Consider paradigms, heuristics, biases, meta-programs, mental schemas, values, beliefs etc. All of these play their dominant and passive roles in our thinking processes. For myself, knowing (believing) that my thinking is predicated on all of these factors I greatly appreciate learning the SKILL of thinking. If I simply think (process thoughts) through all my filters, all I am really doing is justifying my beliefs, but if I learn to THINK, then I expand my beliefs and abilities to transcend my own personal built in biases. To be able to step outside, to be able to take a different view, to consider alternatives, to consider first priorities, to consider the consequences, to consider both sides, to consider all the factors etc., it is only by stepping outside our normal habituated framework of thinking that we can hope to become true skillful thinkers. What do you think?