Engaging in Critical Thought 

"Don't take any life advice from an unhappy person." Very wise!

I have 7 children as well. I told all my kids, with age comes freedom, with freedom come responsibilities, with responsibility comes choices, with chooses come consequences. That will always require critical thought to make the right choices. I Enjoy your wisdom my friend. 🇺🇲💪

Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: "It is the mark of an educated man to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it" -- Aristotle

“I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned.” ― Richard Feynman

I’m a new subscriber, 36 year old and the only reason why I subscribe was because of these kind of conversation are not happening any more. You remind me when I was a kid my father used to seat with me and tell me life stories. It is so important we have conversations like this with young people. Thank you for your contribution

Never be offended if you tell somebody what to do and how to do it and they ask you WHY. Help them to understand the rationale of the WHY. The process is just as important as the end product. Be a critical thinker and help others to develop critical thinking skills also.

"The fewer the facts, the stronger the opinion"

I sat my two daughters (10 and 13 years old) down to watch this video. I always tell my daughters they need to question everything and they need to learn how to think, write, and speak. Thanks for the backup Dewayne, it takes a village.

I'm really loving this Cowboy Socrates. Tell us please, Dewayne, what books would you recommend people read? Because you're obviously a well-read individual. Thank you for this. It's exactly what we need right now.

As DeWayne's beard grows, so does the wisdom from this channel

I'm turning 24 in January. I have no idea of life but this channel gives me a sense of direction.

My Father passed recently. These videos have been helping me, thanks mate.

The best thing about getting in the habit of thinking critically is that it gives you the freedom to change your mind about things you may be wrong about. It's the antidote to cognitive dissonance.

“It’s not my fault”. This is exactly the phrase I’m trying to get out of my boys heads and remove it completely from their vocabulary. Life is hard, requiring us to make choices that sometimes feel like no choice at all, but thinking critically and taking responsibility steels your against the hardships we face. You’re a good man, sir. You teach the lessons I heard growing up from my Grandfathers and my dad, which I am trying to pass down to my boys. Congratulations on the massive and continued success of your channel, sir! Greetings from the UK 🇬🇧

"The right thoughts, and the right process, with the right heart, always comes to the right conclusion." - That is such a true and powerful statement that more people should hear and take into consideration. You hit the nail on the head with that one and the entire video was pure wisdom... Keep 'em coming!

I wish people taught their kids to look inward when trying to solve a problem (instead of assuming the answer is external / comes from somebody else). I love the fact that we can learn things just through experience and “chewing on it” 😉One of the coolest parts of being a human. Listen to yourself!

Thank you for your awesome work Dwayne. I'm an adventure guide in the US and I was doing social media very similar to the way you do. My best friend told me about your page and I took a look. We are on a ranch called "Dragon Ranch" and we are Talking Rock Outpost. We take recovery participants fishing and Overlanding as well as use of our horses to help PTSD Recovery and Suicide prevention efforts. God bless you and your family. Chaplain Cap TRO Adventure

I immediately subscribed to your channel last week because I picked up on your ability, willingness, and encouragement to think critically. Some of the green flags I've picked up on in my adult years are: 1. Understanding that everyone has different needs (like picking a handgun, for example) 2. Encouraging experimentation and trying new ways of doing something 3. Questioning why someone does something without immediately deciding if they're right or wrong 4. Not going to extremes

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. 2:Timothy 2 verse 15. A verse rarely applied by Christians these days. 7:03

When my grandsons asked me for life advice I simply told them "don't do something stupid. If you know it's stupid, just don't do it". Did they take my advice? No. Making a mistake is not the same as doing something stupid. Making a mistake is forgiveable. Doing something stupid may not be forgiveable.

This is one the best videos you’ve ever done. I was raised by a man who instilled critical thought in his boys from a very young age and while we aren’t always perfect at using it, we have all found it to be a critical skill. No pun intended. Another thing people in our society are guilty of is escalation of commitment. For those who don’t know what this is please look it up and give it some critical thought. Again, great video.

From Egypt, I love your videos it's full of honesty and wisdom and simplicity , cowboy ideology can work in any culture , thank you .

I appreciate these videos a lot. I’m a young man myself, just twenty years old and living on my own for the first time, trying to figure it out, currently finishing up my undergraduate degree. You remind me of my parents and grandparents whose insight and outlook on this topic is very similar to yours, and taught me so much. I do a lot of critical thinking as I try to figure out how I am going to go about living my life, what I decide is important, and how to make it all fit together while not disregarding other things that are important. For myself the biggest intrinsic struggle I find is how I am to continue to keep God as an integral part of my life, when I know He has done so much for my family, yet I see new perspectives every day from people of all walks of life, and more and more things happen in the news and in society, day after day, that continue to make religion look like the root of all evil. It’s hard to know what to do, and here I am stuck in between. While I may not always agree with every ideological belief that my family, or you, or anyone for that sake believes in, hearing this traditional, familiar ideology and perspective on things, is definitely important to reflect on and take into account when making decisions. Thank you again, Dwayne!

Having critical thinking and not a critical spirit/heart is so important.

My son introduced me to your videos to me very recently and I am blown away at your wisdom, common sense, transparency, straight forward approach and critical thinking!!!!

The most important thing I learned from College was being able to produce evidence of original thought. It was equally as enlightening, especially being able to converse with Professors about my ideas and concepts. I may have been right just as many times as I was wrong, but being able to engage in an intelligent and productive conversation with someone is 'Life-Fuel' and it'll carry along with you for eternity.

Throughout human history, as our species has faced the frightening, terrorizing fact that we do not know who we are, or where we are going in this ocean of chaos, it has been the authorities -- the political, the religious, the educational authorities --- who attempted to comfort us by giving us order, rules, regulations, informing -- forming in our minds -- their view of reality. To think for yourself you must question authority and learn how to put yourself in a state of vulnerable open-mindedness, chaotic, confused vulnerability to inform yourself. - Timothy Leary

One of the finest Gospels I’ve ever heard. Thanks, Dewayne. If only those who need this message get it.

Since Covid, I have seen critical thinking completely thrown to the side by millions of people. It has really highlighted those who are awake and those who simply obey because someone told them to. I’ve made terrible mistakes in my life but I own every single one of them and do my best to impart my wisdom on my children and friends with what I’ve learned in life. The older I get, the less I believe this life is about achieving happiness. Retirement isn’t about traveling the world and sitting on a beach with a drink in your hand. This life is a character test. Helping others (QUIETLY)and contributing to society is truly what’s it’s all about. Be humble and realize you really don’t have the answers. I guess maybe in a sense it is about happiness, but not in the way the world defines it.

I just talked to my son about this earlier today. He's really struggling to find his way in the world. I'm going to sit down and watch this with him this evening and see what he thinks about it.

Absolutely agree. People are just taking in and spewing out what they have been told without taking even a second to think about it. I’m 22 and glad to be one of the few that thinks for themselves instead of being told how to think.

"Develop the ability and habit of critical thought." A person with an average IQ can fairly assess the worth of this precious piece of advice! What you have narrated in a few simple words is a treasure of golden words. THANKS A LOT AND GOD BLESS YOU.🌹🌹🌹

Great thought Dewayne. I’ve always been a critical thinker. However, I often struggle to find a good balance of critical thinking vs. overthinking or just plain doubting everything. Too much thinking and doubt for me leads me in circles and I often make even small decisions too difficult. I pray and challenge myself daily to find the wisdom and discernment to determine the most appropriate amount of thinking to make the best decisions in my life. It’s always a challenge.

You always do a great job of explaining what you mean in your videos. We really enjoyed this one because we try hard to do exactly what you suggested we all should be doing in our lives, using Critical thought in all we are hearing, reading and listening from others. Thanks for another great video. Our government isn't going to like this one, it promotes something they are trying to stop us from doing, thinking for ourselves, thinking and questioning what we are reading, and hearing. Keep them coming!!!!

Crazy to think I found your videos with the fire starting video then brotherhood of the leaf blew me away now these small conversational videos are all a hit thank you for sharing your wisdom DeWayne

Man I legit remember subscribing to this amazing channel when it had around 15-17k subscribers... Now you have over 140 thousand subscribers!!! Your such an amazing human being

the world would be better if everyone had parents like this

Just stumbled on this channel. Appreciate the salt of the earth common sense you both are sharing...we need more of this today. Thank you from British Columbia.

You are an absolute treasure, Dewayne. I love sitting down and focusing all my attention on your videos. Your videos get my undivided attention. You have taught me so many valuable lessons and pieces of advice. From appreciating the value of hard work, learning how to be a better man, to sitting down, slowing down life, and learning to reflect over the occasional cigar, and even advice on maintaining a vehicle, etc. I could go on forever. Even your stories like the time you moved to Alaska and became a sheriff, and the gift of the cigar and what it meant to you. There's always a lesson in every story. You are so thoughtful, wise, and articulate. To anyone who needs direction in life, some tough love, or to someone who doesn't have a father, what you are doing is so amazing. Thank you so much Dewayne . "Easy times create weak men, hard times create tough men" . "Appreciate the blessings in life and embrace what life throws at ya". I hope this comment finds you well.

I've never rode a horse in my life ( I'm a motorcycle guy ). But I'm subscribed to listen to the thoughts of a fellow critical thinker. Well done on the content.

What a great channel. From the cigar suggestions to straightforward life advice. I appreciate the effort you make in your videos. I'll continue to look forward to the awesome content yall continue to put out.

Sir Dwayne, I want to express my Utmost respect and thanks for the valuable content you provide, as it truly has a deep impact on my life. Every time I watch your videos, I wonder why you won't write a book collecting your thoughts about wisdom and greatness, or allow me to have the honor of compiling your thoughts in dry creek Wrangler The School of Wisdom. This will truly be a literary masterpiece. Thank you for everything you share with us , and I wish I were your neighbor. We would trade ideas from every ideology, with a pipe and coffee. You The native of Wisdom, infinitive of intelligent, base form of manhood, Whatever I say about my respect for you is not enough, good luck ❤

“More talking, less thinking” Amen to that! Love your channel!

I would just like to say thank you. I’m a former ranch kid who moved to a large city for work and talks like these are what I’ve been missing so much. I’ve been playing these in the background all day. Thank you for not only the wisdom, but for bringing a sense of peace back. Thank you for transporting one nostalgic ranch kid back to her childhood with memories of riding fence and learning life lessons from the incredible men and women I looked up to.

I’m 20 and the last two years I’ve done a lot of work to make myself and open person but I found recently I was losing that sense of needed to be open. And i was referring to a show I went to and said how the people seemed fake and a kid I work with said to me stop gatekeeping. And I had nothing to say back, nothing but pure realization that he was correct and I needed that. Don’t be afraid to call people out, if they’re a reasonable person they won’t just reject what u say but take it into consideration

My dad died when I was a kid so I never really had anyone tell me the things you are saying. The military helped me but I had to learn what I now know the hard way on my own. It's nice hearing you speak as it confirms the hard lessons I've learned and that I'm on the right track.

Thanks Dewayne. Telling mamma thanks for all the behind the scenes work too. Keep em coming big bro

I was fortunate to take a leadership class in college, taught by a retired 3 star general. The first day of class, he gave us 2 definitions: the book definition of Leadership, and his own definition of Critical Thinking: "The habit of mind and disciplined thought, to comprehensively and judiciously explore ideas, information, and concepts, before forming or accepting an independent, cogent, synthesized conclusion." One of the best classes I ever took, I'd take it again if that were allowed.

You remind me of myself I am an old school cowboy tried an true one with honor which this new generation seems to be lacking you take good care my brother sincerely Oklahoma cowboy in Alaska.

Fantastic advice. I’m in my early 40s and have been engaging in critical thought for years. Nowadays when I hear something, I automatically take a position of skepticism if I can’t immediately verify the information. Then I proceed from there to determine reality.

Thank you so much. This advice is key to personal growth through the entire cycle of life... most importantly maturity, creativity, resourcefulness, self respect and earning mutual respect.

This man and his videos should be watched by all young people. I wish I had this advice when I was a young person. Absolutely amazing video. Well done Sir..... you are changing people's lives and making a huge difference one video at a time. Wishing you the best of luck, all of the happiness and success in your business and life. Long may it continue. New subscriber and I live in a flat in UK and don't even ride horses but loving these videos.

Dwayne, I love your Chanel. Been listening and learning from the beginning. I don’t have the lifestyle you have and the way of life you have but I’ve always wanted it but right now it’s just not that time for me and that’s ok. I just want to say, I pray to god your Chanel doesn’t get taken down. What messages and lessons you give freely are just priceless. You and momma both do such a great job. Thank you for helping us all see the point in life. Prayers going up. -Tucker A.

Deep respect to Dewayne and mama. All the way from Canada.

If you think Dewayne is insightful, interesting and thought provoking on video, you ought to go meet him and Deanna! I knew almost nothing about horsemanship but have always wanted to learn. By day 3 of a 5 day class I felt as if I’d already exceeded the cost of admission. He’s a great teacher and I’m already working on a visit to the new school in Wyoming. Thanks for everything DND

THANK YOU for including church in this!! This has been troubling me for the last year and I just enrolled in a rigorous Apologetics course bc as Christians, we always need to be prepared with a logical defense of our Faith ❤️🙏

The only thing I would add to this is that critical thinking is even more important when it comes to things that "feel right" to you. Too often we're willing to believe things that confirm what we think we already know, rather than being brave enough to subject our preconceived ideas (or ideas that were handed to us as children) to the same scrutiny and critical thought as the ideas that feel different or odd at first taste. Love the story about your uncle and smoking. So glad you are sharing all of this with us.

You are truly an inspiration. I stumbled on your channel a few weeks ago and realized the importance and power of authenticity. You are helpful in so many ways.

Thanks for another great talk Dewayne. I always take away something from your vids. Weather it be life or horse advice. Keep up all the hard work. Your reaching a lot of good folks and doing something very special. Take care and have a blessed day.

I just found this channel today. This is the best channel on RU-vid. God bless you sir

Some great, simple wisdom that is good for all to listen to. I wish I had a father like you growing up.

More life changing wisdom brought to you by Dry Creek Wrangler. #puregold

Dewayne, I gotta tell you: I've been hoping for someone to share this lesson for at least the last 3 years if not my whole life, and I'm very grateful that you folks made this video (and your others).

It's my 18th birthday, smoking a cigar and absorbing your advice. Thank you sir

Another good video Dewayne! As you were mentioning the importance of critiquing the content of my minister’s message, I remembered there was a group of people in the city of Berea(which is modern day Greece) that went home and carefully studied the Bible to see whether the Apostle Paul was accurately teaching the word. They weren’t critical of Paul, but in their careful study of the sermon, the content of the study became valuable and productive. Thanks Dewayne!

Thank you for your words😊❤ i played one video last night, then two, three… so on and so forth…. You and mama are still playing…. I’m cleaning out my storage and still listening from last night! Thank you… I’m 36 and I love to listen and learn…. As my fiancé always says “do your due diligence” I keep replaying that in my head and applying it everywhere!!! Thank you I love listening to you and your kind words! Thank you

I enjoy your teachings. Thank you sir. Going thru a difficult time in life and it is helping me

I love your RU-vid and your wife's RU-vid channels. That's how I feel about smoking, drinking, eating and pot. You should never be a glutton!! Just my believe! I and a Christian and read the Bible daily. I am 73 year old woman that wish I had raised my children differently.

Just found your videos the other day been watching them a lot. I’m 21 and I never had a grandpa they passed before I was born and I had an old neighbor I used to talk to about stuff like this and hang out all the time and he passed the other week and these videos have been helping so much with that hole I have right now in life. Just want to give you an honest thank you bc these videos have been making me feel great and I don’t even ride horses man😂❤️

Although I’m new to the channel, it has already become one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

Thankful to have come across this channel. I appreciate you’re willingness to spread wisdom.

You have such down to earth wisdom Dewayne. Good bless you & I pray more people will listen and think out how your words will help. Thankyou.

Thank you for doing your part to help society.

I discovered your channel a few weeks ago, and have been watching every video of yours I can. I live way out in the country and think alot like you do. I picked up my first partagas black label today and am enjoying it with some bourbon right now by the fire pit while listening to you. Life is good

Truth I teach my kids to question things and explore it themselves.

I like to listen to you when mowing the lawn, something calming about it

I'm a pretty new subscriber but I love what your doing. Thank you for the content and for the talks, I know it does me some good.

Yet again, Dewayne you are spot on! This video made me think of Proverbs 23:7 “As a man thinks, so he is.” How we think and what we think about is critical/crucial to who we are. And 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, another one I live by! Btw… nothing wrong with a good wine, whiskey or beer and a good cigar… enjoy! 🤠

These kind of talks are needed. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing your life experience and wisdom with us. A lot of us do not have people in our lives to provide guidance and it reflects in how society is as a whole these days. People like you make a world of difference!

Pard I’ve been riding horses for over 60+ years, I’ve been listening to your channel for a few months and haven’t heard anything from you I didn’t like. Plus you smoke cigars. Keep up the great job.

I totally agree and you answered that very good question perfectly. good advice.

I live a very different life in a very different part of the world to you but I agree with a lot of what you say and like how you say it. A lot of people need to hear this. The US is leaning in a very dangerous direction and a lot of it is because of a lack of critical thought.

A lot of people see it as confrontation, I try do it within my own life. For me there's nothing more refreshing then a genuine conversation of perspectives on certain topics then get into that without trying to tell the other my ways right and this is final.

❤You are a good teacher. KATIE ❣️ KENTUCKY!

G’day Dewayne, I wanted to share with you an Australian poem written by Banjo Paterson. You may have come across it. There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around That the colt from old Regret had got away, And had joined the wild bush horses - he was worth a thousand pound, So all the cracks had gathered to the fray. All the tried and noted riders from the stations near and far Had mustered at the homestead overnight, For the bushmen love hard riding where the wild bush horses are, And the stockhorse snuffs the battle with delight. There was Harrison, who made his pile when Pardon won the cup, The old man with his hair as white as snow; But few could ride beside him when his blood was fairly up - He would go wherever horse and man could go. And Clancy of the Overflow came down to lend a hand, No better horseman ever held the reins; For never horse could throw him while the saddle girths would stand, He learnt to ride while droving on the plains. And one was there, a stripling on a small and weedy beast, He was something like a racehorse undersized, With a touch of Timor pony - three parts thoroughbred at least - And such as are by mountain horsemen prized. He was hard and tough and wiry - just the sort that won't say die - There was courage in his quick impatient tread; And he bore the badge of gameness in his bright and fiery eye, And the proud and lofty carriage of his head. But still so slight and weedy, one would doubt his power to stay, And the old man said, "That horse will never do For a long a tiring gallop - lad, you'd better stop away, Those hills are far too rough for such as you." So he waited sad and wistful - only Clancy stood his friend - "I think we ought to let him come," he said; "I warrant he'll be with us when he's wanted at the end, For both his horse and he are mountain bred. "He hails from Snowy River, up by Kosciusko's side, Where the hills are twice as steep and twice as rough, Where a horse's hoofs strike firelight from the flint stones every stride, The man that holds his own is good enough. And the Snowy River riders on the mountains make their home, Where the river runs those giant hills between; I have seen full many horsemen since I first commenced to roam, But nowhere yet such horsemen have I seen." So he went - they found the horses by the big mimosa clump - They raced away towards the mountain's brow, And the old man gave his orders, "Boys, go at them from the jump, No use to try for fancy riding now. And, Clancy, you must wheel them, try and wheel them to the right. Ride boldly, lad, and never fear the spills, For never yet was rider that could keep the mob in sight, If once they gain the shelter of those hills." So Clancy rode to wheel them - he was racing on the wing Where the best and boldest riders take their place, And he raced his stockhorse past them, and he made the ranges ring With the stockwhip, as he met them face to face. Then they halted for a moment, while he swung the dreaded lash, But they saw their well-loved mountain full in view, And they charged beneath the stockwhip with a sharp and sudden dash, And off into the mountain scrub they flew. Then fast the horsemen followed, where the gorges deep and black Resounded to the thunder of their tread, And the stockwhips woke the echoes, and they fiercely answered back From cliffs and crags that beetled overhead. And upward, ever upward, the wild horses held their way, Where mountain ash and kurrajong grew wide; And the old man muttered fiercely, "We may bid the mob good day, No man can hold them down the other side." When they reached the mountain's summit, even Clancy took a pull, It well might make the boldest hold their breath, The wild hop scrub grew thickly, and the hidden ground was full Of wombat holes, and any slip was death. But the man from Snowy River let the pony have his head, And he swung his stockwhip round and gave a cheer, And he raced him down the mountain like a torrent down its bed, While the others stood and watched in very fear. He sent the flint stones flying, but the pony kept his feet, He cleared the fallen timber in his stride, And the man from Snowy River never shifted in his seat - It was grand to see that mountain horseman ride. Through the stringybarks and saplings, on the rough and broken ground, Down the hillside at a racing pace he went; And he never drew the bridle till he landed safe and sound, At the bottom of that terrible descent. He was right among the horses as they climbed the further hill, And the watchers on the mountain standing mute, Saw him ply the stockwhip fiercely, he was right among them still, As he raced across the clearing in pursuit. Then they lost him for a moment, where two mountain gullies met In the ranges, but a final glimpse reveals On a dim and distant hillside the wild horses racing yet, With the man from Snowy River at their heels. And he ran them single-handed till their sides were white with foam. He followed like a bloodhound on their track, Till they halted cowed and beaten, then he turned their heads for home, And alone and unassisted brought them back. But his hardy mountain pony he could scarcely raise a trot, He was blood from hip to shoulder from the spur; But his pluck was still undaunted, and his courage fiery hot, For never yet was mountain horse a cur. And down by Kosciusko, where the pine-clad ridges raise Their torn and rugged battlements on high, Where the air is clear as crystal, and the white stars fairly blaze At midnight in the cold and frosty sky, And where around The Overflow the reed beds sweep and sway To the breezes, and the rolling plains are wide, The man from Snowy River is a household word today, And the stockmen tell the story of his ride. 1890 Dewayne & Momma, I’ve only just come across your channel. I’m grateful to hear your wisdom and your honesty. Thankyou for sharing your philosophy and structure. To formulate the words across a comment on RU-vid doesn’t do you justice. Long live the Cowboy and the traits of good and honest men. God bless. For it’s a lonesome away from your kindred and all. By the campfire at night. Where the wild dingos call. But there’s nothin’ so lonesome, morbid or drear. Than to stand at the bar…of a pub with no beer! Take it easy, Champion!

Your comment about not being afraid to be wrong had me thinking of my retirement speech. We were asked to make a statement that summed up our career. My statement was; “Being right is not all it’s cracked up to be”. That statement got a variety of reactions from laughter to confusion. My reason for that statement was based on an observation that in the political halls of that company being right was sometimes less important than who was right. And I also realized that the systems that I had initiated were turned down (rightfully so) more times than they were accepted. But through those rejections my corrections led me to ideas I initially didn’t consider & eventually those ideas became policy. No question about it … I was wrong much more than I was right.

23 here, I needed direction, thank you for your content.

Thanks Dwayne👍👍👍

I'm a baptist preacher. I love to smoke a good cigar. I get told a lot that I'm sinning by smoking a cigar. A lot of the new moderation church teach this. Thanks for talking about this. Love to listen to you talk about life. Not a horse person but I'm learning about horses by your videos. Thanks again & GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

So glad I found your channel! Excellent!

I've said the same thing for many years: Think for yourself without needing the approval of others.

Illuminating discourses. Many thanks. A breath of fresh air.

This is the best channel on RU-vid. Take heed folks. These lessons are painful to learn the hard way.

Very important and interesting video. Thank you sir. Greatings from Germany.

You remind me of a really good friend of mine I met in Nashville pursuing a record deal.He dressed like you and has the same personality as you.You even resemble each other.He was laid back and always thought before reacting.He’s 1/2 Native American.

Wow that was very powerful! Thanks for the knowledge sir.

Wonderful wisdom, sir. It is so truly refreshing to listen to your convictions. This is so rare these days, almost gone. Most people just don't think any more. And I just don't understand that. And it's doing incredible harm, people refusing to think any more. More folk should listen to you!

The more I listen to this Gentalman the I am reminded to always be Humble and Kind.

Beautiful.