August 11th, 2019

It is probably best I find out stuff for myself.  It is perhaps why when research papers are presented many sources are quoted.  I remember saying something to someone I really thought was true.  They took it on board.  I found out later it was not true.  Doh!
For some things only one source is needed.  This is particularly the case when it comes to government regulations.  Finding out the requirements from them is to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.  I think it is why it is said “ignorance is no excuse.”  Finding out can save a lot of heart ache later.
In other matters using only one source can be ill advised at best, and dangerous at worst.  I saw a cartoon that said one source was plagiarism, while two was research.  If I use only one source, then I may be spruiking one person’s ideas.  Furthering their agenda only.  That is why to me, it is important that I derive my ideas from multiple sources.  One idea is their picture.  A multitude of ideas is a more complete picture.  At times it is still something out of focus, but every little bit helps.
I honestly believe that is why some people get caught up in totally left field stuff.  ISIS is one.  Cults are another.  One idea is adhered to.  It is not tested, or if it is, it is not seen as important.  It does not seem to matter what the idea is built on, or that the general consensus is that it is not beneficial to the majority.  It is what I am sticking with, and blow you jack.  No wonder there is resistance.  Others have “seen the light” and know it leads to a dark place.
I know someone who escaped from Vietnam many years ago.  They opposed the regime that was winning, were captured and escaped and got a boat to here.  They left because there was only one source and they didn’t like it.  Another person I know left Iran.  When I asked why, they gave the same reason.  Something may appear right, but multiple sources prove otherwise.
Besides, I always prefer to choose what I believe, rather than have it forced on me.  I believe democracy is flawed, but it is the best system we have.  For all its short-comings, free will is enshrined in it.
I am big on considering something, and then arriving at a conclusion.  I don’t want to embrace the latest bandwagon because others are.  I will be in boots and all if I have considered multiple sources and choose to go that way.
Allowing someone to consider more than one source may be fraught for the purveyor, but in the end, I am likely to give much more when I want to, and not just have to.