why do people rarely question their sources?

Not all people do assume the first answer to a question is true. Ok, some are, for whatever reason, happy to do so. However, for others, it depends on the subject of, and reason for the question.

I have a friend who is a pilot and aircraft mechanic. If I ask him what the instruments on the instrument panel of his plane are for. I would accept his first answer as accurate and truthful. Not because I assume he knows what he is telling me is true, but because I KNOW what he is telling me is true as I know the years of experience he has.

However, if I was asking him a theological question, even though I know his knowledge in that area is substantial. I would check out other sources also. As I would not assume his reasoning on that would be the same as mine. I would bear in mind his answer, but draw my own conclusion.

IF however I was to ask a politician a question, I would assume he had an agenda and was attempting to manipulate me with his answer.

I admit to having a questioning, and at time cynical mind.

As to those people who are happiest leading life in a comfortable rut (even though they may complain about it and wax long on getting out of it). They do not want to think, the process makes them uncomfortable. If those that went before them believed a certain truth, they will do the same. If their immediate family amd community vote a certain way, they will do the same. They do not want you telling them they are being misled or manipulated. they do not want to examine facts. OK some may be gullible, and should be helped. But, much as you may not want to believe it, the majority do not care as long as they are left alone and not made to think. After all they would then have to start examining their own selves and actions. And that is to hard for some. Either because of ego, or a comfortable apathy.

Beulah

It's hard to create absolute BS. So most things are mostly truthful, but only bent in a way.

The bend is easily visible if you try to see it, then you can just extract the truth out.

If you counteract one pieces of information, from two opposite agendas, it's easy to triangulate where the real truth lies.

Though, I note that many gullible people cannot do this. I would suggest tricking them.

Why do you assume they don't ? Should we believe they don't just because you say so ?

Some people are happy with the 1st answer they get and are too lazy to look for more than one possibility or point of view. Closed , blinkered minds ! Shame !