That most of what we know is based on what other people tell us. We have neither the time nor the inclination to dedicate years studying the issue ourselves and coming to an informed opinion. So, really, if you think about it, human beings are actually quite trusting.
It's quite trusting to believe anything that comes out of someone's mouth, but to say that applies to most of human knowledge just isn't right, at least in First World countries where most people have a basic education. Most of our knowledge comes from multiple individuals who have researched a subject. It may not always be up to date (textbooks are usually behind) or "the truth"(science and literary investigation are far from perfect), but it's not "trusting" to assume that a large part of the research others have done is valid and worth taking into consideration, particularly since a responsible individual acquires information from more than one source before drawing conclusions.
However, I would say that the opposite of your statement (disregarding any information that is not acquired by one's self) is paranoid.
Still Empress of the Poofy Purple Pillow Pile Palace!!
Continued Love of my Aussie <3
Continued Love of my Aussie <3
This message last edited by LadyLorraine on 19/11/2010 at 06:11:15 AM
It's quite scary to think...
19/11/2010 05:40:41 AM
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This is why one reads more than one thing on a subject before coming to a conclusion on it. *NM*
19/11/2010 05:49:12 AM
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I don't think so
19/11/2010 06:10:00 AM
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They do say that knowledge begins with faith.
19/11/2010 10:58:53 AM
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Clearly you haven't been reading enough of my posts.
19/11/2010 03:27:31 PM
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It might be obvious but it's not always true
19/11/2010 05:18:18 PM
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I know, but I can't think of any concrete examples in normal space.
19/11/2010 05:42:18 PM
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Re: We are all Bertrand Russell's chickens, but most don't know it. *NM*
19/11/2010 11:57:43 AM
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