Overcoming Blind Obedience: Stanley Milgram Experiment

"Self-awareness is the capacity for introspection and the ability to recognize oneself as an individual separate from the environment and other individuals." - Charles Duhigg

Blind obedience to authority can manifest in many ways, from blindly following the instructions of a supervisor at work to accepting the status quo without question. This type of obedience can lead to dangerous and destructive actions, as seen in the Milgram experiment. It is crucial that we develop the will and courage to admit when we are wrong and to question the instructions and beliefs that we are given. Another essential part is to realize that many of us have had very little education on the inner workings of our own psychology and how uniformed minds can easily be led into group think and narratives that are based in the shadows of the psyche.

Stanley Milgram

In 1961, Stanley Milgram conducted a series of experiments that aimed to study the obedience of individuals to authority figures. The results were shocking: participants were willing to administer electric shocks to a "learner" (who was actually an actor) simply because they were told to do so by an authority figure.

The Milgram experiment is a powerful reminder of the dangers of blindly following authority and the importance of critical thinking and self-awareness. By understanding our own psychological biases and tendencies, we can better resist the urge to obey without question and make more informed decisions.

Waking Up

One way to increase self-awareness and develop critical thinking skills is through education. By studying psychology and the social sciences, we can learn about the ways in which our thoughts and actions are influenced by the people and institutions around us. Additionally, learning about history and different cultures can help us to understand the varied ways in which authority is exercised and resisted throughout the world.

Another way to foster self-awareness is through personal development. This can include practices such as meditation and mindfulness, journaling, and therapy. These activities can help us to better understand our own emotio