It's not about having knowledge others do not, it's about having a quality that is visibly absent in a majority of the population. Non-conformity. Most people are psychology paralyzed against entertaining thought contrary to the status quo. The TV and their social circle dictates what they are and are not allowed to believe. Non-conformity of thought, coupled with critical analysis and the willingness to admit when you're (frequently) wrong is unique. It's significance should not be downplayed.
It's not about having knowledge others do not, it's about having a quality that is visibly absent in a majority of the population. Non-conformity. Most people are psychology paralyzed against entertaining thought contrary to the status quo. The TV and their social circle dictates what they are and are not allowed to believe. Non-conformity of thought, coupled with critical analysis and the willingness to admit when you're (frequently) wrong is unique. It's significance should not be downplayed.
Suppression of cognitive dissonance is a rare character trait. I agree it is something special
Non-conformity means nothing, it could be a hinderance or a help, depending on the topic and the time period.
Critical thinking is indeed in short supply, but that's always been the case, as the mob after Socrates attests.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. Bernard M. Baruch
I'll do you one better: "Ye shall know them by their fruit" - Jesus