What does this quote mean to you? (WARNING: REQUIRES THOUGHT)?

Question

Think for yourself
Question authority

Throughout human history, as our species has faced the frightening, terrorizing fact that we do not know who we are, or where we are going in this ocean of chaos, it has been the authorities, the political, the religious, the educational authorities who attempted to comfort us by giving us order, rules, regulations, informing, forming in our minds their view of reality. To think for yourself you must question authority and learn how to put yourself in a state of vulnerable, open-mindedness; chaotic, confused, vulnerability to inform yourself.

Think for yourself.
Question authority.

The quote is by Timothy Leary by the way.

Answer 1

This quote suggests that if people truly want to become aware of their true potential as human beings, they need to remove themselves from the spheres of influences that tend to govern our everyday lives (i.e. government, etc.) One must immerse themselves in the unknown by interacting with people and institutions unlike the ones to which they have grown accustomed...this kind of quest requires a lot of courage and emotional strength on the part of the individual...but it is likely that this person will be able to realize their own brands of truth when they remove the rose-colored lens that others have led them to believe...good q!

Answer 2

The United States was founded on this premise. Think for yourself, question authority.

We cannot blindly follow the dictum's of our elected officials and blindly trust that their actions, reactions and established policies are the norm, or in the best interests of our nation. History has shown, time and time again, that the government is not always the best judge of what is right for our nation.

Foreign policy cannot be based solely on our interests, but the interests of the greater good for the global community. The United States has failed miserably in this aspect, and thus faces the backlash of our actions, or inactions in the international arena.

Think for yourself: Research, consider different sides of an issue, look at the big picture. What are the criterion being used to support a specific action? Look at the big picture, and decide for yourself, no matter what your party line is, what you believe is morally, and ethically the correct path of action.

The people of this country have so much power. We don't take advantage of how much influence we really have. People who don't vote because they believe it doesn't matter, or they simply are too busy, do themselves and this country a great disservice.

Question everything. Be suspicious, be cynical, be doubtful.
Trust yourself to come to your own conclusions.

Solutions to great problems are not found by accepting what others believe is right, or by ignoring that they exist. Solutions are found when the great majority reacts to their government's policies in a negative way, forcing them to consider alternative strategies.

When so many proffer their views as the right path to pursue, it is up to the citizens of the nation to question what path we are on, and where it is leading us to.

Answer 3

Here is what Atisha, the Buddhist said, and Leary loved the Buddha -

The greatest worth is self-mastery.
The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.
The greatest precept is continual awareness.
The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.
The greatest action is not conforming with the worlds ways.
The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.
The greatest generosity is non-attachment.
The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.
The greatest patience is humility.
The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.
The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances.

Here is what I say -

If you don't think for yourself, you end up fearful, dependent and unhappy. The greatest sin in not growing.

Answer 4

Don't let others influence your way of thinking, especially people in authority. Just because someone is in authority doesn't mean that they're always right so don't be afraid to question their judgments and risk looking like a total idiot.

Answer 5

First, shame on those who dislike the quote because of who said it. If the homeless man said he saw the killer, do you disregard him because he is homeless?
Anyway, this quote is what I want other people to see. I want them to see that the world does not have to be contolled by what your government, your religion, or your education will always tell you. It can be controlled by your actions and thoughts, so question their ways.

Answer 6

Timothy Leary was a rather poignant Svengali type Drug addict wasn't he?

All of his best philosophy left many trusting people homeless in the streets and completely brain dead from the abuse and over use of psychotropic drugs...

Which always lead to worse drugs.... He contributed to the falling away of society and is responsible for destroying many lives... What this means to me... Is good intentions carve the pathway to hell... I believe Dante first said that?

So I don't really tend to concern myself with what the man thought about anything... as his thought process was clouded at best.

Answer 7

I agree completely. I have seen how the rest of the thoughtless masses react when I suggest that 9/11 requires further, independant investigation. They become afraid and lash out, when I offer evidence of an inside-job. I know exactly what you mean.

Answer 8

It means although I have a sincere heart, I am NOT to lean on what others say to me BUT to QUESTION, and Examine all things with a fine tooth comb and come to my own conclusion thus exercising my God given free will of choice... I am responsible for Myself, so No one should hold my hand by sheer need but by want.......

Answer 9

To me that means that we need to use our own intelligence and intuition no matter what the topic/situation is and to realize that we are all human. Leaders are not in any way superior to us, we are all flawed and can learn from one another.

Answer 10

It does not only mean think, but also think about your life as a journey, and take appropriate steps to reach your desired destination rather than following the rules set by others.

For e.g. you work hard to get high grades in school, but what you want to do in life might not require high grades. (High grades don't hurt but)