We make a lot of assumptions about almost everything. It's how our brain processes certain pieces of information, and how we get along in everyday life. You could say they are the foundation of our critical framework. But what if those assumptions turned out to be wrong, or at least not entirely truthful? Then the whole foundation needs to be re-built, from the bottom up. What does it mean to question assumptions? Einstein questioned the assumption that Newtonian laws of motion could accurately describe the world. He developed an entirely new framework for looking at the world by redescribing what he thought had happened, starting from scratch. We can question assumptions in a similar way. Why do we feel the need to eat in the morning, even when we're not hungry? Why do we assume that we'll fail when we haven't even tried? What other assumptions are we taking for granted that might crumble upon further examination? Like assumptions, taking information on authority can be useful. Instead of double-checking everything anyone says, we tend to label information as either coming from a trustworthy or not trustworthy source. This keeps us from double-checking every piece of information that comes our way, saving time and energy. But it also keeps us from getting to the bottom of things we perceive as coming from a trustworthy source, even when they don't. Just because it was published in a magazine or broadcast over TV doesn't mean it's necessarily true. Get in the habit of using your instinct to investigate questionable pieces of information. If your gut isn't satisfied with an explanation, ask the person to elaborate. If you don't question a fact, read about it or test it yourself. Soon enough, you'll build up a pretty good sense of what deserves more research and what you've determined to be true in your own judgment. You've already read about questioning assumptions and questioning authority figures. Now you're about to be told to question...everything? Asking questions is perhaps the quintessential act of critical thinking. If you don't know what questions to ask, or don't ask the questions in the first place, you may as well not get the answer. Finding the answer, and finding it elegantly, is what critical thinking is all about. How does ball lightning work? How do fish fall from the sky in the middle of Australia? How can we take meaningful steps to fight global poverty? How do we dismantle production of nuclear weapons worldwide?
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One-sentence summary -- Question your assumptions. Don't take information on authority until you've investigated it yourself. Question things.

In order to become the leader of the group, it's important that you are extremely knowledgeable about the group's goals, the industry, and the people involved. Do some research, talk with a mentor, and observe the activities of the group to become a pro. As a leader, you want to be the person with the answers. Being an expert will make you feel confident, and you will appear experienced and capable. Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, but there are a few common traits that experts believe make the best leader. For some people, transitioning into a leadership role is very natural because they already exhibit many of these leadership qualities. But for others, these qualities need to be learned and practiced. That's OK! Take a look at these qualities shared by the most successful and most admired leaders, and identify qualities you need to work on: A strong desire to take action and try new things The ability to express themselves effectively Good at motivating others Exhibit good judgment, with the ability to think fast and retain composure under pressure Genuine interest in the opinions and ideas of others Imaginative, often coming up with creative ideas or solutions Depending on the specific group, you may not be able to join in right away or you may have to start at the bottom and work your way up. That's okay! You are gaining lots of knowledge about the inner workings of the group and the people involved. Working your way up will also help you become an expert because you will have first-hand experience in more aspects of the group. Join in and look at how the current group leader runs things. Take note of what you think works and what you would improve upon if you were the leader. Maybe you want to be student council president but currently are just on the board, or perhaps you want to write for the newspaper but are just on the staff. Whatever the case, leaders don't wait for things to happen, they make them happen. Come up with some ideas for the group and figure out how you can make them happen. If you are on the newspaper staff but aren't yet a writer, pitch story ideas to the editor or volunteer to go to the football rally to interview players post-game. If you're assigned to a project at work, schedule a meeting with the other group members to outline the project and discuss goals. Being proactive in this way will put you in a leadership position within the group right off the bat. If you're involved with a club, organize special events to raise awareness of important issues or celebrations associated with the group (e.g., throw a toga party fundraiser for the Latin Club, create a display at the school entrance for Black History Month, organize a pastry bake sale for the French Club, etc.). As you take on more responsibilities and get more involved with the group, remember that confidence is extremely important. Confidence is a quality that people associate with intelligence, capability, and acumen. Even if you don't feel 100% confident yet, it is important to act like you do. Be purposeful with your words and in your movements. Try using these power positions, which help send subconscious signals that make others agree with you: Dress like a leader by always appearing professional and put together. Watch your body language. Stand up straight and avoid looking bored, tired, or uninterested. Make direct eye contact when you're talking with someone. Nod your head when you are listening. One of the most important aspects of being a leader and gaining momentum within a group is to include other people in your ideas. Leaders lead, they don't just boss people around. Be sure to ask other group members if they like the idea and encourage them to contribute to the idea or its design. By sharing your vision and getting other people to adopt it as their own, the group will work together to bring your idea to fruition with you as the lead.
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One-sentence summary -- Become an expert in your field. Practice good leadership qualities. Gain some experience. Take on more responsibilities within the group. Be confident. Share your ideas with the group.

Diarrhea in infants is often caused by an allergy to ingredients in their formula or baby food. To avoid this, consult your doctor and have your infant tested for allergies. If allergy tests confirm your child is allergic to something, don't allow them to consume it in the future. Many infants are allergic to milk protein, which can cause diarrhea. Some babies can outgrow food allergies, so talk to your doctor as your baby grows. An allergist may also be able to help you decide. Whether it is before or after you've tested your infant for allergies, you should consider switching their formula if your baby gets diarrhea often. Talk to your pediatrician before changing formulas. After switching, you may find that your infant no longer has diarrhea. If you use a traditional dairy formula, try using a soy-based formula. While rare in children, lactose intolerance can cause cramps, gas, or diarrhea. Your pediatrician can test for it by giving your baby a simple breath test. If the test confirms lactose intolerance, you'll need to put them on a lactose free diet.
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One-sentence summary --
Have your child tested for allergies. Switch formulas, if you use formula. Test your infant for lactose intolerance.