This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Whether the customs, beliefs, and norms are ethical is a non-factor
Enculturation is a powerful agent in perpetuating beliefs, customs, and ideologies – especially dangerous ones.
Children who don’t question the ideas, norms, customs, and philosophies they adopt from their kin might end up contributing to a morally unjust society.
But how do you get to the point where you start to think for yourself and question the beliefs that you adopt?
This takes considerable mind power and potentially luck.
Consider the fact that most people follow the leader. Most people assimilate. It’s easy to do, think, and believe as everyone else.
A primary way to combat assimilatory thought is through rigorous education and consistent exposure to other cultures, ideas, groups, societies, and religions. It also takes gumption to question why things are the way they are.
What if more people questioned Jim Jones when he asked them to drink that poisonous Kool-Aid?
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.