If someone is proposing a simple solution to a complex problem, there is a good chance they don’t understand it or they are trying to control your opinions.

If you receive some information (no matter how) and you feel a strong emotion, be extra skeptical.

There is the theory that we feel emotions first and then we think only to justify the emotion.

This would imply that it isn’t the thinking that needs to be managed but the emotions.

I got old and bitter and now no longer feel impacted by the people around me. It feels quite freeing to finally be myself in any situation.

Your default should be try to disprove, or at least verify any claims.

And surround yourself with good people.

I’ve spoken to a lot of people who can’t think independently and I can’t figure out what’s wrong with them tbh. I understand it on paper. Cognitive dissonance, emotive narratives re-enforced by echo chambers that have blinded them. But how do you deny basic facts when they’re explained to you 1 on 1. I used to think they were lying but it’s clear to me now most aren’t.

You can’t.

Well you have to relate to what you do know. The more definitive a piece of knowledge is the greater its significance if something does not jive. I have in discourse mentioned something akin to X does not make sense to me because Y. I often get a your not an expert response but thinking for yourself means you do need to act as the expert for what you know. You should be ready to learn that something you knew was false but not on the drop of a dime but if someone has good sources and logic then certainly. Then also try to be informed by as many reputable sources as possible. So anything that is an academic subject you should see what PhD professors from reputable institutions (universities that have been around for at least 50 years and of course accredited) have written or said. If you have not I would consider it something you need to look into. If your talking about political and societal things though and you have to just do the best you can to make sure the information you are getting is accurate and use what you currently know to see if it makes sense. Ok so lets take a decisive topic. trans rights. So you have to look at what you know about human rights to begin with. gay rights, womens rights, the fact of slavery and how we have dealt with it. So you have to decide how you feel around the philosphy of human rights. Do all humans deserve equal treatment and is that even enough. You have likely seen the equality/equity memes and that compares treatment to outcomes. Ultimately you have to engage in the ideas and decide what is right for yourself and then move that forward to the particular modern thing.

Read books, it’s the poor people version of traveling to broaden your mind. Sometimes even more effective since some things cannot be experienced irl. They don’t need to be recent, the old classics are good. Think about the moral/ethics/philosophies you want to live your life on, then you can interpretate events according to those.

There is no such thing a “independent thinking” our thoughts are given form by language and vocabulary. The only independent thinker would be someone completely alienated from society at large.

Deliberately expose yourself to information and opinions outside your bubble.

IMHO by traveling. In my case I travelled a lot for work and was introduced to new places, people, and cultures (mostly micro cultures). Seeing how things are different from your local area gives perspective.

This is what helps me with that:

1. A healthy amount of Scepticism is always good.
2. Fact check any new information by yourself and make your own conclusion.
3. Discuss your ideas with others and make questions (just like you are doing right now).
4. Be open to be corrected if you’re wrong in something.
5. NEVER assume you know everything you need to know about anything.

Pay attention to when people tell you what to think and be extra suspicious of that kind of behavior. Question everything. Trust but verify.

Now don’t fall into the trap of just being a contrarian. Just because everyone is telling you the same thing doesn’t mean it’s ALWAYS some big conspiracy. It could actually just be the right thing.

Basically just be curious and don’t form opinions purely based off people you look up to or admire.

By being autistic

Stop comparing yourself to others. You are you, and you can’t possibly please or displease everyone anyway

By constantly asking “why”. Certainly, by asking why something is popular and ponder that for as long as needed until you come to a reasonable conclusion.

You may never conclude why some things are the way they are but by keeping this in mind, you’ll pick up the habit of thinking independently.

Actually, one of the things I’m always wondering is how I became an independent thinker. I have a hard time understanding how so many people are so gullible and what I can do to help them.

I can’t help by attributing my independent thinking to being somewhat isolated and poor as a child. I’m self sufficient and reject most things that are popular.

I also worked in advertising as a graphic artist for a few years. It became apparent that I am not cut out for thinking like everyone else. Advertising still annoys the heck out of me.