Thinking for ones self or following the crowd? Which is better?

I have thought about this question for a very long time. I can see advantages and disadvantages to both sides. I mentioned an advantage and disadvantage to both. I really need to think on this one more but would like to open it up for discussion.

Thinking for ones self
Advantage
One has the benefit of learning things and experiencing things that other people have never experienced.

Disadvantage
One often learns and experiences things that other people can not relate too. Therefore, they are often left along with these insights and experience.

Following the Crowd
Advantage
One don't have to use energy to think. They just do as others do.

Disadvantage
One does as others do. If the crowd does something stupid one does as the crowd.

One don't have to use energy to think. They just do as others do.

How is this an advantage? I would call it a disadvantage as they are not truly being themselves.

Originally Posted by skycloud86

How is this an advantage? I would call it a disadvantage as they are not truly being themselves.

Good point. I have never been a follower of the crowd so I would appreciate input on the advantages and disadvantages of being a follower.

I don't think it's good to be one or the other 100% of the time. If you always are in a crowd, then you are as mindless as a sheep. If you always stand alone then it is hard to connect with others, and no matter how introverted you are, humans are still social creatures that need to make connections with others.

Both are necessary.

An army needs both soldiers as well as Lieutenants.

Just depends on personal preference/skills.

Don't you need both?

Pretty much agree with what everyone here is saying. No one acts like a sheep or thinks for themselves 100% of the time.

Originally Posted by MisterNi

Pretty much agree with what everyone here is saying. No one acts like a sheep or thinks for themselves 100% of the time.

Agreed..

I usually have an extremely hard time "following along." I don't really want to do what everyone/anyone else is doing. I don't mind if someone whats to follow me... but bottom line.. I'm going to do what I'm going to do.. and what everyone else is doing has nothing to do with my decision.
So the age old question of "if everyone else jumped off the cliff would you too?" The answer is a very decisive H*ll NO! :)

I'm an ENFP...I believe in following your heart and doing what you want to...don't do things the way they've been done a mllion times...I don't care if people think I'm weird, I would feel so out of place if I just did things everyone else did because everyone else did them...I'll find my own way to do things