There is a common issue of blindly trusting authority. Many of us might claim that we don't do this, but it's almost impossible to avoid entirely. It's comfortable to accept existing truths, whether they come from parents, teachers, celebrities, doctors, or established experts. However, these sources can be wrong, and their knowledge can become outdated.

The Problem with Blind Trust

It's easy to take authoritative sources as the ultimate truth, but we must remember that everyone has their own biases. Some people may try to sell us something or make us do what's better for them, not necessarily what's better for us. Sometimes, people suggest things that worked well in the past, but that doesn't mean they are still valid today.

Example: Software Engineering

In software engineering, there's a tendency to copy and paste old code that works. This practice is one of the biggest fallacies and sources of bugs. A piece of code that works in one context may not apply to a new situation, introducing new policies and bugs. Therefore, it's crucial to reassess and reevaluate.

• Can the code be written better?
• Is there a new technology that can accomplish the same thing in a better way?

The Evolution of Truth

There's a strong tendency for things that used to be true to become false over time. This is true in every field. The way things started is not the way they are now; they have evolved. Many early assumptions have likely become wrong over time. We don't want to become dinosaurs believing old things. Accepting things as they are, just because they come from an authoritative source, sets us up for believing something that's not true.

The Importance of Critical Thinking

Instead of blindly trusting things, we must use our critical thinking skills. We need to re-examine old facts to ensure they are still valid. Research is essential, and only by continuously testing old beliefs and ideas can we confirm their validity. We cannot blindly live by the truths of the past or the truths that others tell us without examining and evaluating them ourselves.

Conclusion

In summary, while it may be comfortable to trust authoritative sources, it's essential to maintain a critical mindset. Always reassess and reevaluate old truths, and be open to new information and technologies that may offer better solutions.