For a moment, reflect on the expression, “Like lemmings off of a cliff.” What images come to your mind? The lunacy of crowds? The frame of mind of the herd? Following the rear end in front you despite the consequences of the ultimate conclusion?
The statement comes from the migratory habits of the lemming, a diminutive rodent found in the arctic tundra. When their population density becomes too outsized, brawny biological compulsions send masses of the rodents running. In the case of Norway lemmings, the considerable groups will sooner or later come upon a cliff having a view over the ocean. As more and more lemmings arrive from the back of the pack, those in the front and middle are pushed or run off the boundary of the cliff. While the impression of premeditated mass lemming suicide is legend, potentially perilous or grave consequences go together with anyone who goes along – indubitably – with popular opinion, thinking, and behavior.
This is not E1™ philosophy, the approach of The Elite One Percent™.
Go back to your days as a child. Did your parents ever ask you, “If all of your friends jumped off of a cliff, would you?” Of course they did. You were doing something that you were not supposed to do because everyone else was doing it, too. Now, be honest: Have you asked the same question to your children? Now, be even more straightforward: Have you asked the same question of yourself? Are we thinking and acting like lemmings off of a cliff?
Populism, groupthink, and conventional wisdom follow us all through life. It occasionally influences how we reason, act, react, and act in response. For most, this class of thinking is driven by the path of the multitude. And it belongs nowhere in close proximity to the E1™ system of thinking. Nearly 200 years ago, Alexis de Tocqueville would call this populist mindset a product of “the tyranny of the majority.”
The hazard in accepting populist messages, groupthink, and conventional wisdom is that we move forward without independent thought and action. Populism, historically, is the archetypal mêlée of the common folk critical of the elite. The “Haves” versus the “Have Not’s.” How dare someone reason differently, act another way, and receive something altogether poles apart. After all, if we all fuse together, isn’t it complex to pull away? At its root, populism asks that we side with the majority.
Groupthink is no different. Groupthink is a category of deliberation exhibited by party members who endeavor to reduce disagreement and arrive at consensus exclusive of critically testing, analyzing, and evaluating thoughts. It aims to do something because something must be done. At its root, groupthink wants to please all and upset none.
Conventional wisdom is a term used to explain ideas or clarifications that are by and large accepted as accurate by the public or by experts in a field. It points to a higher authority since tenure and pre-eminence must bring the correct way out with it. At its root, conventional wisdom asks that we trust those in power.
For example, look at the existing economic confusion that leaders in Washington, DC are struggling to solve. How does E1™ thinking stand out against what many would like us to, without issue, acknowledge and trust?
- Populism asks, “What must the federal government do to stimulate the economy?” E1™ thinking asks “Why is ‘must’ our only option?”
- Groupthink says “We must get credit flowing and force banks to lend.” E1™ thinking wonders, “Why are we assuming that people and businesses want to borrow in the first place?”
- Conventional wisdom states that deficit spending is good policy. E1™ thinking states, “Maybe we should think twice about borrowing too much when future income is uncertain. Isn’t that the business of venture capital?”
I chose a political illustration for the reason that that it tends to be the conversation essence of today. However, you can utilize this rival means of cogitating in all situations in life. It’s really just a matter of self-determining scrutiny and contemplation before arriving at your inference.
I’ll go out on a limb and state that E1™ thinking should refuse to accept populism, groupthink, and conventional wisdom. In thinking autonomously, we may arrive at the same conclusion as the other 99 percent, but not without consideration. More important, we may ascertain that the other 99 percent have it all wrong. Our thinking will then maneuver our actions and generate our results – Elite One Percent™ results.
