The Power of Independent Thought 🌞
In this lifetime, I’ve learned firsthand how crucial it is to surround myself with people who genuinely think for themselves - those who pause, reflect, and act based on their own conscience rather than simply following orders or cultural expectations. In my experience, individuals steeped in rigid groupthink or cognitive dissonance can feel unsafe to be around; including military, religious institutions, police forces, or any setting where participants are encouraged - sometimes even mandated to simply obey without questioning. When people are conditioned to stop questioning or to suspend their own ethics, we can end up with a mob mentality that disregards individual conscience entirely.
Let's always learn from where we came so we don't repeat mistakes.
We can learn from previous studies, such as when:
Stanley Milgram’s obedience experiments (1960s) demonstrated how ordinary people might carry out harmful acts simply because an authority figure instructed them to do so.
The Stanford Prison Experiment (1971) by Philip Zimbardo showed how easy it can be for individuals to adopt abusive behaviors under authoritative orders or within certain group roles.
Solomon Asch’s conformity experiments demonstrated how group pressure can lead people to override their own perceptions and moral judgments.
On my own spiritual journey, embracing conscious thought and personal responsibility has been transformative. Taking ownership of our decisions, even the difficult ones, fosters growth, resilience, and empathy. When we’re mindful of the power of our actions and the implications they carry for others, we cultivate greater compassion, reduce harm, and deepen our own spiritual understanding.
If someone is willing to harm another person purely because “they were following orders” then that same obedience could be turned on anyone - myself, yourself, or loved ones. Challenging orders or ingrained beliefs can lead to deeper self-awareness, stronger personal values, and more respectful relationships.
As we look at the society we have grown desensitized to - one where homelessness often leads to cycles of crime, and where violence can be tacitly condoned in certain institutional roles, it’s worth remembering the original purpose behind these structures: to serve, protect, and uplift. When a society encourages critical thinking and accountability at every level, it becomes far less likely to perpetuate injustice or enable harm on a broad scale.
In choosing independent thought, upholding personal accountability, and nurturing our intrinsic human conscience, we not only protect ourselves but also pave the way for a more just, compassionate, and enlightened society.
