The Lazy Person's Ifs

• If I can find a quick explanation then I can stop thinking.
• If I can label the person, place or thing then I've got them tagged for life.
• If I can get spoon-fed opinions from journalists then I don't have to worry about developing my own thoughts.
• If I attach myself to a charismatic leader then I'll have someone to blame if things go wrong.
• If I adopt the biases and opinions of the "in" group, they will always have my back and I'll be automatically regarded as a person of discernment.
• If I parrot the results of studies, no matter how dubious, I can utter the magical words, "Research shows."
• If I can avoid seriously considering the opinions of the other side, then I can rest assured that my own are always correct.