First, a definition.
Contrarian: A person who takes an opposing view, especially one who rejects the majority opinion.
Why do some get so upset when others ask the simple question of why? Is it simple fear of those they consider antagonists or contrarian? I hope not. Being bold enough to ask why is the bedrock of invention, of science, of basic discovery.
Every over-the-road owner or operator should be ready to ask why when they look at a settlement and notice they have been charged for something, or not reimbursed or paid for something else. As most owners know, no doubt, if you are not willing to ask why, companies (some on purpose, some not) will nickel-and-dime you to death when you work in an industry built around the flow of money to and from service providers, where nickels and dimes quite quickly add up.
When I finally got to college for the first time as an undergrad, after 28 years' worth of a post-high school working career, much of it behind the wheel, I found I had to take courses in how to frame an argument. These courses were required of all students in order that they learn how to apply critical thinking skills. Yet, I ask: Why is it that all students aren’t taught these skills well before they get that far along in the education journey? Is our society and primary educational system failing so many of us that learning basic critical thinking is now only the province of those who choose collegiate education?
Learning is more than just knowing the facts; it’s questioning the facts. It might sound counterintuitive, but I feel fortunate to have been raised in an era of turmoil, unrest, and change -- contrarians raised questions over high-profile issues like the Vietnam War, the assassination of Kennedy, racial discrimination and more, in a high-profile way. From these contrarians we have a better vision of equality, not to mention a wave of music that moved our souls.
A generation was raised that birthed the personal computer, the iPhone, questioned authority and generally made advancements beyond what had previously been dreamed of as possible.
