#freethinking

Welcome to the first episode of *Curiosities and Conspiracies*! I’m Lexi, your host, and I’m here to discuss all the strange and interesting topics that fascinate me. From conspiracies to rabbit holes, true crime, and the paranormal, I aim to explore it all. One of the reasons I started this channel is to encourage free-thinking conversations about the subjects that captivate or consume us. Today, we’re diving into a fundamental aspect of the human experience: free thinking. In a world constantly bombarded with information, opinions, and societal norms, the ability to think freely and critically is more important than ever.

What do I mean when I say "free thinking"? At its core, free thinking is the ability to form your own opinions, choices, beliefs, and ideas without being swayed by external pressures. It involves questioning the status quo, seeking knowledge, and not being afraid to challenge conventional wisdom. Free thinking is a crucial skill that enables us to navigate complex issues, make informed decisions, and innovate. It encompasses critical thinking, open-mindedness, and the willingness to explore diverse perspectives. 

Some may argue that free thinking is an illusion because, whether we realize it or not, we are influenced by outside sources such as the media, social media, and our friends and families. However, regardless of your stance on this concept, I believe we can agree on the importance of taking a step back to evaluate whether our thoughts represent our true opinions or if they have been ingrained in us. It’s essential to recognize that the brain often takes the path of least resistance; when someone provides us with information, we readily accept it without question. Let’s normalize asking questions and critically evaluating what we are told to determine if it makes sense. This practice is vital for the topics we will discuss on this channel, and for life as we know it.

We engage in free thinking more often than we realize. For many situations, we do it automatically. A nurse triages patients, a plumber determines which tools are needed for a job, or even when our printer malfunctions and we troubleshoot the problem. We already possess this skill; we just need to apply it to other areas—like a muscle that needs to be exercised. 

Consider your opinions on any topic, such as politics. It’s a highly divisive subject. Are you affiliated with a specific party? Why? Or do you see yourself somewhere in the middle? When your party takes a stance, do you automatically adopt that opinion, or do you critically assess it before deciding whether you agree?

In today’s digital age, technology and social media profoundly affect our thinking. On one hand, they provide access to a vast array of information; on the other, that information may be inaccurate or pushing a hidden agenda. I used to believe that the government would never lie to us, as those in authority are supposed to have integrity. However, after hearing about the events surrounding 9/11 and its possible use as justification for the U.S. invasion of Iraq, I began to question what actually happened that day. This realization led me to conduct further research, which we will discuss in future episodes. 

Consider tobacco executives claiming that cigarettes are no more addictive than coffee, tea, or Twinkies, despite evidence proving that cigarettes are one of the most destructive products ever sold. Additionally, I realized that various publications and studies may have underlying agendas. After these realizations, I became more vigilant in evaluating the information presented to me.

To think freely, we must be aware of these influences and proactively seek out diverse sources of information. Developing media literacy skills and being mindful of cognitive biases can help us think more critically and make balanced judgments. To do this, we also need to know how to conduct effective research. Don't take everything at face value; learn to identify rage bait or articles with a specific bias. 

Start with a general online search, then narrow down to specific topics. I sometimes begin with Wikipedia as a tool—a jumping-off point—before branching off to explore the terminology, arguments, and history more thoroughly. Always verify information with multiple reputable sources when establishing facts. Determine which sources are trustworthy and reputable, and remember that even credible sources can make mistakes or promote a particular narrative. Consider the author's expertise on the subject and their experience. Evaluate the evidence and form your own opinion, remaining open to the answers you find. 

I often encounter differing opinions or evidence, which requires me to review everything I find and decide what I agree with. It’s a process that I engage in. I take notes on my research and then organize them. For example, I’m currently researching the death of Ellen Greenberg. My notes are categorized into sections like people involved, the crime scene, and the sequence of events. Once I have everything sorted in my mind, I can evaluate what I believe happened. By gathering all the information, I can start to form my opinion. I often discover more along the way, but that’s all part of the learning process.

Free thinking leads to personal growth, creativity, and innovation. It helps us solve problems, adapt to change, and have a positive impact on society. Additionally, free thinking encourages self-reflection by challenging our beliefs and assumptions. Do we genuinely feel a certain way, or are we simply providing the answer we believe we should give? I appreciate being more informed when I research a topic, as it allows me to engage in conversations and consider various perspectives. 

Currently, we seem to have an “us vs. them” mentality, and we need to remind ourselves that we are all people. Promoting more tolerance and understanding regarding complex issues is essential. 

Thank you for joining me today on "Curiosities and Conspiracies." If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing and participating in the conversation. Next week, we will explore desensitization by the media and how it affects us. At the end of each episode, I will preview the next topic, so you can prepare to join our discussion if you wish. 

-independent-- beholden to no one, not dependent on them so i have to bow to their will and thought