Today I was reminded once again by a friend: independent thinking is really important.

Because this world is full of “ready-made answers”—KOL conclusions, platform recommendations, group emotions, news headlines… Just scrolling for a few minutes, and you’ll unknowingly live someone else’s life. The scariest thing isn’t being influenced, but thinking that those are your own ideas.

Independent thinking isn’t about pretending to be clear-headed, nor is it about doing everything the opposite way. It’s more like a form of self-rescue: willing to stop, ask clearly about the source of information, what stance is taken, why to believe it, and whether you can bear the cost. Many pitfalls aren’t because you’re stupid, but because you’re too quick, taking others’ judgments as your own decisions.

Being able to slow down, doubt, and draw your own conclusions is already very rare nowadays. Even if you end up making the wrong judgment, it’s still better than blindly following the crowd into a pit.