critical learning went on in the library, whereas critical thinking happened down at the corner tavern over a pitcher of suds. (ah, what beautiful memories)”
I always knew when my dad’s belt came off, I was about to be a recipient of some “critical learning”. It was critical to learn what did and did not cause that belt to be removed.
And if he heard that we had disobeyed Mom, or sassed her, we would be eating off the mantelpiece for a week.
That seldom happened though. We had a great, loving family - a military one!