What percentage of Americans would you say think for themselves?

Question

If you had to give a number-100% being every single person thinks for theirself.

I'm not asking how many are capable of this feat, but how many actively do.

Not thinking would equate to repeating things that are heard, without analizing the actual information or ignoring evidence that proves otherwise?

Please give me your PERSONAL estimate :-)

Answer 1

I think it's probably about ten percent that think for themselves, and then about ten percent of those who are brave enough to declare their thoughts out loud.

I have met plenty of bright but mousy people, who on closer examination, have really good self formed notions and opinions, but rarely are they bold enough to assert themselves, and many go along with the crowd because, let's face it, everything in America is about recognition and acceptance.

There is no reward for individualism except social ostracism.

Answer 2

With Bush having been elected twice, I have learned that my some of my fellow Americans are down right stupid.

Answer 3

getting less all the time

I'd guess about 30-40%

the rest want the government to control them

Answer 4

actually, hun

i've learned many things....possibly have more to learn...being the fact that i'm only 26......but i say between u and me...just us too.

my mother always told me it was "common sense"  and since i've been out here in "the world"  i've learned that......not too many people had it.

couple years ago...i would never have thought it......being fresh and new...to life's experiences.......people are just plain "stupid"

maybe that's why the asian culture keeps thier kids in school all year long....

i have read several books that were sopposed to "good" and "bestsellers"....

and i thought that if people actually bought this garbage and it made the best sellers list......then americans are truley "dumb"

i read better books in grammer schools, that actually had chapters....i won't mention the book's title....but just know that is our literature is down the toilet....then think of our school systems...and the degenerates that it produces.....

SORRY IT HAD TO BE SAID.......and...Bush said" NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND"...YEAH RIGHT

So it goes to say  " we are a product of our enviroment"  

yeah...i guess i'm like the others in one way or another....

but i def...think for myslef.....law abiding or not....

Answer 5

0.0005%

Answer 6

You mean people that TRULY think for themselves rather that letting the info-tainment media do it for them? My personal estimate is around 50%

Answer 7

100% of all Republicans,  10% of all Democrats  0% of all others.

Answer 8

You tell me.

Answer 9

If you ask people veiled by the anonymity of the internet.  You will get only part of the picture.

If you ask people in person you would get a far different percentage.

Answer 10

I would say about 25 percent or less.

Its ASTOUNDING that people think that because they heard it on the news or read it in the paper, that it is absolutely true , and that it is the whole story!  People should know that television news is not even close to real news. Its entertainment. It reduces even the most important stories to a 3 minute segment , heavily edited to slant the way the parent company wants it. The ONLY way to decipher it, is to read all sides, find out for yourself, and USE  COMMON SENSE!!

Answer 11

Estimate 30% to 40%. That really depends on the person. I have meet people who are still in their 30s to 40s that never moved out. When their mom or dad died; I had to help them to learn how to do their own laudary; grocery shopping for a week or more; they allowed their parents to take care of them until the day they die. Yes; they know how to balance a check book, but some them never paid the bills. They just give the money to the parent and let them do - just like paying rent to a landlord.

There is nothing mentally wrong with them, they just never moved out. And than there are the ones who left the nest and came back home and let their parents take care them. They all have jobs, college degrees, some are dating - most are still single, and some have kids, etc.

Answer 12

100 percent think for themselves.  The percentage of Americans capable of rational, responsible thinking as opposed to impulsive or easily influenced

responses is between 30 and 40 percent.  I base this number on 31 years of teaching experience.

Answer 13

On any ONE issue, only about ten percent. But it is not the same ten percent on every issue.

We tend as human beings to be independent on some issues, and willing to go along with the concensus on most others. Our lives are made up of identifying ourselves with groups--common backgrounds, or common issues, or common beliefs. It is hard to break out of the mold. To break the stereotypes. Few people can do it for long, and over a long period of time on a wide variety of issues.

And, as the great American humorist, Will Rogers,is supposed to have said: "We are all ignorant....but on different subjects."

Answer 14

18-22%.

Answer 15

Respect your fellow American.  At least they are thinking about themselves.  That must count for something.

Answer 16

Republicans are easily led by fear and their emotions. That's why they always appear to be hopped-up, knee jerk, reactionary Barney Fife's.

Barney excited: "I'm telling you Andy, you liberals are sending this country to h**l in a hand basket."

Andy chuckling at his buffoon conservative deputy: "What are you talking about Barney?"

Barney: "You know what I'm talking about, it's all right here on the front page of the Mayberry Gazette." (Barney plops the paper on Andy's desk)

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You can read the rest in my up coming book, "Whys everybody interested in s*x when life's one long s******g"