How to Break Free from the Herd and Think Independently (In a Noisy Algorithmic World) | by David Loewen | Publishous | Medium

Thinking independently for ourselves is simply not the default for many people. Yet, independent thinking isn’t about rejecting all external wisdom. It’s about learning to generate, refine, and trust your insights and instincts — without waiting for permission or confirmation that what you’re thinking is ‘right.’ Most people believe they think for themselves. However, thinking (e.g., having thoughts) and independent thinking are not the same. Independent thinking requires stepping outside familiar narratives, deeply questioning assumptions, and resisting the pull of the majority (or, even consensus). It’s uncomfortable, doesn’t come naturally, and often goes against how we’re trained to operate. Consider, for a moment, how many years you spent in formal schooling systems being shaped by a system telling you how you should think. It’s not all ‘bad’ — but it’s sure powerfully ingrained (as with anything you spend 10–20 years practicing and enacting). But, without independent thinking, we

Thinking independently for ourselves is simply not the default for many people. Yet, independent thinking isn’t about rejecting all external wisdom. It’s about learning to generate, refine, and trust your insights and instincts — without waiting for permission or confirmation that what you’re thinking is ‘right.’ Most people believe they think for themselves. However, thinking (e.g., having thoughts) and independent thinking are not the same. Independent thinking requires stepping outside familiar narratives, deeply questioning assumptions, and resisting the pull of the majority (or, even cons