The ability to think critically is a vital skill. Critical thinking is the best way to solve problems, since it requires looking at an issue from several standpoints before reaching a final decision. Critical thinking allows an individual to reflect on an issue and decide what to do or believe. Critical thinkers must take the contexts of every situation into account and think on a multi-level platform in order to come to correct conclusions. Learning how to recite information from textbooks is not going to help a person achieve long-term success. Only when individuals are able to make educated choices on complex matters can they truly be considered intelligent and competent.