Thinking is becoming a lost art, along with reading and writing. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that a shockingly high percentage of students graduate from school illiterate, unable to read their diploma. Only 31 percent of college graduates can read a complex book and extrapolate from it. That's not saying much for the remainder, and it gets worse not better.

Although the awareness of the problem is evident, there has been no improvement in literacy, on the contrary it continues to decline.

My theory is that the literacy rate is responsible for the lack of innovative thinking, or any independent thinking. Dumbing us down, as according to John Taylor Gatto, and his classic book for homeschoolers of the same name.

Easier said then done , but one of my key goals with my children is for them to think outside the box. Not to take everything that is presented at face value, and to question the validity, and motivation behind any action. What are the moral implications, immediately and long term, and are they purely monetarily driven?

These are questions that we should constantly be asking ourselves in this world that seems to be corrupt at every level.

The examples we set for our children is critical, because this we can control, and of course the mentoring that we provide is the source of greatest influence over our children. I personally place an enormous amount of importance on loyalty, honesty and trust.

No one is pure as the driven snow, and although we can have good intentions, sometimes the best laid plans with the best intentions get driven off course by peer pressure or unmet expectations, or disappointment or greed. Choose an excuse, because that is what I believe it is an excuse. A justification for immoral or inappropriate behavior. An excuse to break the commitment or promise, whether it is written or spoken.

Innovative thinkers will search for solutions, not excuses.

The media is not a reliable source of unbiased information, people need to delve into issues and research and question the sources.

These outside influences can be dissected and analyzed, seen as a project to learn and grow from.

There are many varieties of sources that can be helpful when trying to see and understand an issue from a different perspective. Documentaries are interesting and entertaining source, as well as the local library.

Whether on a personal, business or global level, thinking outside of the box is a necessary component to growth, change and development.

Debbie is the cofounder of debnbob.com, a blog focused on alternative choices for thinking people. It is through her blog that she discusses issues that require contemplating and questioning. Sometimes it just isn’t appropriate to take what you are told at face value. Independent thinking is becoming an anomaly. You may feel free to ask Debbie, she is bound to have an opinion. She is also a professional homeschooler, animal advocate, spiritual seeker, alternative thinker and business owner. You may visit Debbie’s blog at: http://www.debnbob.com.