Generalizing--along with conjecturing, representing, justifying, and refuting--are forms of mathematical reasoning important in all branches of mathematics (Lannin, Ellis, and Elliott 2011). Increasingly, however, generalizing is recognized as the essence of thinking in algebra (Mason, Graham, and Johnston-Wilder 2010; Kaput, Carraher, and Blanton 2008). This article makes a case for generalizing as an overall mindset for introductory algebra by illustrating how teachers can use generalization problems to develop algebraic reasoning and meaningful symbol use.