Thinking for yourself sometimes means agreeing with the crowd, just for your own reasons.

Independence of mind is about how you got to a view, not about whether it is unpopular. Disagreeing on principle is just as borrowed as going along with everyone, since in both cases the crowd decided and you reacted. Sometimes the common answer is simply correct. Holding it for your own reasons is the part that makes it yours.

For something you believe this week, try writing down why in a sentence or two without mentioning anybody else’s position. If you cannot, that is worth knowing. The test is whether the reasons would survive everyone changing their mind.