Why do people allow society to dictate their lives and their every action and thought?

Question

Do they not know how to think for themselves or is it security or something else?

Answer 1

some people are more comfortable just letting everyone else do their thinking and not realizing the consequenses of letting society run their lives

Answer 2

The control of society goes much deeper than you realize. The fact that you are asking the question was brought on by a lack of to conform to society, but your interest in not conforming is still dictated by society.

Now, if you want to know why more people don't question what goes on around them, that's another issue. There are tons of reasons. Some don't think for themselves. I've had several students admit that they just want someone to do everything for them. It makes me quite sad. Some people don't want to be seen as weird or different because historically, different has been treated as bad. Others do seek the comfort of being able to feel normal.

I think most things that are socially acceptable are overrated. But that's just me. :)

Answer 3

There's a fine line to walk.

Most of us are part of a society (that is, few of us are hermits in a cave who rely on no one else). That gives us benefits (e.g., strength in numbers, we can specialise in different jobs, government, infrastructure) but it also puts responsibilities on us (e.g., pay taxes, work, government, abide by laws). While it's good not to be a complete sheep and follow everyone else, you do have to act like everyone else in some ways, to make the society work.

Some people have problems getting the right balance.

Answer 4

we are naturally herd animas to put it bluntly, some are leaders and some are followers, but we all want the comfort of the herd and the reassurence that someone else is looking out for us and doing the importnat things that keep us safe, look at fashion for example, we dont want to be differnt because it is too hard t be different so we follow the crowd. the whole world is founded on it, dmocracy thrives on it and religion NEEDS it. Its easier to be dictated than too rebel.

Answer 5

Most people are followers, not leaders, and so they do as the leaders and society dictate. Furthermore, it is a human instinct to immitate the behaviour and actions of those around them, as that is how we learn. People who thinks for themselves become the leaders.

Answer 6

Some people "live off the land" up by the Canadian border. They don't have regular jobs, don't pay tax, kill their own food, live in shacks/tents, don't vote, don't have valid drivers license/plates/insurance. Nobody tells them what to do--and the almighty dollar means nothing to them. Some keep to themselves, others make friends and they live off each other--or share the work.

Answer 7

Well, this is a good principle gone wrong.
If we all spoke our own made-up language, etc., we couldn't be on the same page and cooperate.
Some people just go too far in geting along, is all.
Go easy on them. Maybe they aren't nearly as critical of you as you are of them. Wouldn't that be a step toward peace, at least?

Answer 8

I used to be that way...but then I discovered the purpose of life...to worship God All-mighty and to follow His rules. I think a lot of people don't have any guidance as to what is right, so they follow what society does. In Islam, we follow God's rules, and He knows everything -- so who is better to follow than Him?

Answer 9

Pack/Herd/Flock mentality. . . the security is in the numbers. . . easier to follow along and just do like the rest.

Answer 10

can you give an example of a society that doesn't do that to its people?