In a world where we are constantly bombarded by superficial platitudes and ideals of fulfillment, it is not difficult to fall prey to over-simplified ways of thinking that lack depth in analysis. Having the comfort of problems seemingly solved for us by others, and a tradition of thoughts and beliefs--often-times part of governmental establishments if not in policy, then in bodies--calls for a satisfyingly indolent approach to the way we view the world. The pillars set; ethics and morale established; our 'reason' in this life explained...
However, it is an undue task, to oneself and our society, to take matters which beckoned us to produce an initial thought as granted. Sure, some matters are all-to trivial, overly-mundane, etc., to warrant an analysis for practical purposes, unless you are a comedian, of course; though, humour is something we all appreciate and possess, so to appreciate even that dimension is empowering.
As individuals we strive to form part of a collective--any collective--yet maintain our characteristic nuances and voices. There seems to be a point in our experience, however, where we lend ourselves to be defined by others from the collective, as they have been subject to, as well, and slowly a sense of exploration, of seeking our adequate environment, as social entities, is eviscerated and replaced by a sense of complacency and willful ignorance.
Superstitions, hoaxes, pseudo-scientific claims, self-diagnosed psychological and medical conditions, belief in forces unexplained nor evidenced (faith-healing being a terribly worrisome one), pseudo-skepticism, subscribing to maverick conspiracy theories, etc. These are problems that, I would dare say, 90% of people produce for themselves, and by extension the society around them. We need to learn, together, how to change our global society in order to make it one that appreciates phenomena for the science, beauty for the art, thought for the creativity, and individuality for the contribution to the collective.