As human beings and thereby creatures on Earth, we have learned, in a similar manner to other species, that group think can help us to survive in certain situations. In the distant past our ancestors would act as a tight knit community so that they could help one another and prosper. But there have been many occassions in history that show us that this innate capacity to engage in group-think can lead to dangerous acts of atrocity and evil.

When we fail to think for ourselves we follow the lead of others regardless of the consequences. By doing so we avoid personal responsibility, and so are likely to bother less with dealing with our own conscientious nature and can make immoral or unworthy decisions.

It is a well known phenomenon that a great deal of the population take their cues about how to behave from others who they hold in high regard. Politicians and leaders have often taken advantage of this fact by using group think to manipulate the masses into acting out their own desires.

We can see the evidence that people are susceptible to this type of behaviour when an accident, or act of purposeful violence occurs, and although many people are present, very few try to help victims of abuse. As soon as one person hurries on by a scene of possible danger where an individual needs assistance, other people follow suit as we expect sheep would in a field, taking their lead from the first one who moves in a particular direction.

This shows us that group think really does involve avoiding responsibility by relying on the expertise and knowledge of others. Unfortunately the brilliance of some leaders is missing or is demented or soiled in some way, causing their followers to blindly give power to people who shouldn't be in charge of the welfare of others or the well being of the planet.

Although the seed of evil atrocities can stem from a single source, perhaps the greatest evil happens when other people allow this to happen by inadvertently joining in without understanding what is going on, or totally ignore the situation and turn a blind eye. Doing this lets bad seeds grow and spread like weeds.

Thinking for ourselves and listening to our inner guidance, or conscience as some people refer to part of our inner selves, can let us know when we are in danger of becoming involved in group think which could be detrimental to ourselves or others. Just as we have an innate need to engage with the minds of others, we also have an ability to separate ourselves when necessary and follow our higher nature when the moment is called for.

Learn more about this author, Bridget Webber.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Understanding the evils and dangers of group-think?
We want to hear your view. Write now!