People are stupid

I know I'm not perfect. For this reason, what I'm about to write could be used against me. I'm going to write it anyway because it needs to be said. People are stupid.

This is a topic in which I may seem inconsistent. I have long insisted that we are underestimating the mental ability of children. What this ultimately comes down to is can versus do. A lot of people can think, but very few people do think.

The mainstream seems to have developed a fear of thought. People are afraid of being wrong. Most people will turn to others to dictate what to think just to avoid being wrong. This doesn't just apply to factual content. It has become rare for individuals to form their own beliefs and opinions. Keep in mind that it's possible for the majority to be wrong. This is even more true when the majority is subjected to a common influence.

Even factual content isn't reliable. There's a lot of dishonesty out there, and nobody is perfect. There is always a chance that something you are told can be wrong. People generally do not turn to the people who know best. Instead, they turn to the media, teachers, families, religion, and others. None of these are ideal for obtaining information. Experts would be better, but even they shouldn't be thought of as reliable. Experts aren't perfect, and accessibility of these experts' viewpoints tend to be unequal. Additionally, none of these experts should be viewed as experts on your personal beliefs and opinions.

I have mentioned collective abilities before. Relying on experts to provide all thoughts is an insane burden. Mentally speaking, I believe we are better off if everyone contributes. In some cases, an outside perspective can see something that inside perspective can't. We need to stop embracing mass mindlessness. We need to start thinking.

Everything should be met with at least some degree of skepticism. There is always a chance that something can be wrong. A fear of being wrong can potentially inhibit us from being right.

Personally, I don't like anything to inhibit my thought process. There's always a chance that I could be wrong. I can even see how my views on education can be wrong, although the evidence of an anti-educational schooling system is even more substantial than evidence I have seen that the world is round.

I have already discussed confusion of issues and political conformity. This issue is in the same realm. Most people turn to a common influence and conform their beliefs and opinions. They can't comprehend when someone doesn't match an influential source. They can't comprehend that beliefs and opinions don't have to fit a mold. A lot of inaccurate assumptions are made because if you agree with someone on one issue, they assume you agree on others.

Again, I'm not perfect. Considering the nature of this topic, my imperfections could be used against me. Regardless, I'm at least thinking for myself. I'm not conforming to the mindless masses.