Sheeple

Most of us have had the experience of taking part in a group discussion in which an opinion is asked in a round table fashion and coincidentally everyone’s opinion matches that of the first person to speak.

In 2005 in Turkey, 450 sheep perished when 1500 sheep followed each other off a cliff.  Why did only 450 die?  Apparently, hundreds of sheep lying dead at the bottom of a cliff make for a nice cushion that saved the lives of others.  Sheep will follow other sheep relentlessly even if they walk off a cliff.

In a sense, many people are just like sheep: they believe everything they hear, they never question and are afraid to disagree.  The problem with the “yes” people described in the previous sentence is that they cause problems for the rest of us.  When people always agree and go along to get along, those whom they agree with think that they are right and continue on the course they are on, even if it leads to the edge of a cliff.   Money is wasted.  Businesses fail.  Lives are wasted.  Bad governments are elected.

Please have an opinion.  Share it.   Discuss and debate vigorously.  Or, just follow the others: there is a decent chance that you may be saved by the pile of the ones that have perished before you.

"If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking." - George S. Patton 

Sheeple