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We all are ‘sheepish’ to some extent, but the question is, how much of a sheeple are you?

There is only one way to break this pattern: to discover your true heart’s desire for how you want to live your life.

Sheeple is a slang word/ portmanteau combining the words people and sheeple, meaning people who are easily led by others (like sheep) and can’t think for themselves.

I’m unsure about the percentage of sheeple on the planet; however, look within and see if you recognize some patterns in yourself. I’m not asking anyone to ‘buck the status quo;’ instead, I want you to find what is accurate and unique in you that goes against conventional thinking.

In the vast landscape of human behavior exists a fascinating phenomenon known as the “sheeple mentality.”

Combining the words “sheep” and “people,” this term refers to a collective behavior pattern where individuals unquestioningly follow the crowd, adopting the majority’s beliefs, opinions, and actions without critical thought.

This phenomenon, also known as groupthink, raises important questions about the dynamics of conformity, social influence, and the impact on individual autonomy.

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The human population can be divided into three groups:

  1. Sheep: Most people are sheep, kind and peaceful.
  2. Wolves: The Bad ones, sociopaths, psychopaths, narcissists, & energy vampires
  3. Sheepdogs: Societies protectors

Sheeple are people who wolves are misdirecting. The Sheepdogs try to “wake up” the sheeple to what the wolves are doing but are mostly met with resistance.

It’s too easy to have the “herd mentality” complex when living in society. Sometimes, it’s easier to go with what the wolves feed you instead of using your discernment.

Many people admit to believing and repeating a lie rather than going against the consensus that’s being spoon-fed to them.

Related: Live By Your Own Rules

What does sheeple mean?

The word Sheeple is a combination of “sheep” and “people.” A person ruled by a herd mentality, going with the crowd and undermining their unique identity and voice. Sheeple are caught up in the imaginary world that we believe is real.

It is a “made-up” term for people who follow the crowd. I don’t use it in real life; for me, I would use words like “crowd follower,” “people pleaser,” or just plain out “unoriginal personality type,” but I digress.

Yes, we all bend to groupthink to some degree or another; that’s just part of being human.

Sheeple believe that driving an SUV, getting married, and having kids is the only way to live. They work a 9-to-5 job as they are told to, watch endless sports or reality shows on TV, and follow the mainstream media word for word without question.

Sheeple believe in traditions. They perceive reality through a lens that was created by someone else. They feel safe believing reality is what they are told from the mainstream media and what they learn in school.

They have the same get-together every year that no one wants to attend. They have the same friends and seldom meet new and different people.

Sheeple are very insecure people. They only change something new once most people have already done it. Sheeple don’t like change and would rather play it safe by doing the same things repeatedly than try something new.

Level up your Consciousness

Sheeple mentality is not a new concept, but it has gained prominence in the age of social media and information overload.

The term implies a lack of critical thinking and independent judgment as individuals succumb to the group’s influence, often without questioning the validity or consequences of their actions.

Related: How To Silence The Inner Critic & Be Your Unapologetic Self

  1. Conformity Over Critical Thinking: One of the defining features of sheeple mentality is prioritizing conformity over critical thinking. Individuals within a group may abandon their perspectives, values, and beliefs to align with the majority.

  2. Fear of Social Exclusion: It often stems from a fear of social exclusion. Individuals may conform to group norms to avoid being ostracized or criticized, choosing social acceptance over expressing dissenting opinions.

  3. Information Bubbles: In the age of social media, groupthink can be exacerbated by information bubbles. People may selectively expose themselves to information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs, reinforcing groupthink and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.

  4. Lack of Individual Accountability: Individuals may relinquish personal responsibility for their actions, attributing them to the collective decisions of the group. This diffusion of accountability can lead to reckless behavior and poor decision-making.

  5. Rapid Spread of Misinformation: This is often associated with the rapid spread of misinformation. False or misleading information can gain traction within a group without critical analysis, leading to misguided actions and decisions.

Related: Why Is Conformity Bad?

  1. Stifling Creativity and Innovation: Sheeple mentality discourages independent thought and creativity. In a society where conformity is prioritized, innovative ideas and unconventional thinking may be suppressed, hindering progress and growth.

  2. Erosion of Individual Identity: When individuals conform to a collective mindset, their unique identities may be overshadowed by the group identity. This erosion of individuality can lead to a loss of personal autonomy and self-expression.

  3. Vulnerability to Manipulation: Sheeple mentality makes individuals susceptible to manipulation by charismatic leaders or influential figures. The lack of critical thinking leaves people open to exploitation, as they may blindly follow leaders who do not have their best interests at heart.

The label seems to have originated among those in the United States and refers to people who tend to accept and follow everything at face value. Especially if it is cited in the mainstream media.

Shortwave radio host Milton William Cooper used it commonly during his Hour of the Time radio show during the late 80s and early 90s. There is documented print usage of this word as early as 1950, in the form, “We, the Sheeple”, in the Emory University Quarterly, v.6-7 1950-1951, page 64.

“The Wall Street Journal first reported the label in print in 1984; the reporter heard the word used by the proprietor of an American Opinion bookstore affiliated with the John Birch Society.

In this usage, taxpayers were derided for their blind conformity as opposed to those who thought independently.

Reddit

Sheeple Are Copycats

We laugh at sheep because sheep just follow the one in front.  We humans have out-sheeped the sheep, because at least the sheep need a sheep dog to keep them in line.  Humans keep each other in line.

And they do it by ridiculing or condemning anyone who commits the crime of being different or going against the staus quo, and that’s what it’s become, of being different.” 

― David Icke

Hardly anyone drove an SUV about twenty years ago; it seems everyone has one, even when it’s not practical. They are more expensive to fill with gas and repair, insurance is higher, and they take twice as long to clean as a car.

Another ‘sheeple thing’ is tattoos. It reminds me of a George Carlin skit where he talks about guys getting earrings back in the day because it was supposed to piss off the squares. Now, the squares are wearing them.

Related: How To Create A Healthy Relationship With Yourself

Zombie

Are Sheeple Zombies?

They love being told what to believe and seldom think outside the box. Sheeple doesn’t like original thoughts but follows the status quo. They believe what the majority believes to be true, even if evidence points to the contrary.

Sheeple mainly live life through their minimal mind. Sheeple follow every popular trend or theory of the time and worship celebrities with utter devotion. Sheeple must always be doing something, even if that doing takes them nowhere.

Sheeple don’t like it when new information may contradict their own beliefs. They may even get violent and verbally aggressive about it. Think Copernicus.

James Nichols, who ran the family farm here, stamped dollar bills with red ink in a protest against currency and told his neighbors that they were “sheeple” for obeying authority like livestock. — Sara Rimer and James Bennet

— Sara Rimer and James Bennet

Related: Unconscious Zombies Vs. Conscious Humans

Don’t Be A Herd Animal

Sheeple are like herd animals. As long as they are fed, they don’t bother people and complain much. They go along to get along. And when Sheeple does complain, they usually repeat the complaints of the consensus.

People are sheep. TV is the shepherd.” 

― Jess C. Scott, Literary Heroin (Gluttony): A Twilight Parody

Sheeple are highly domesticated people, so much so that they wouldn’t know how to survive if the power grid went down. Hint: Start your vegetable garden now. Get back in touch with Mother Earth and occasionally unplug from the electric drug.

Sheeple are mindless followers; I don’t know if they would know what to do if someone didn’t tell them. Sheeple are the most inauthentic people you will ever meet. Their lives are one lie after another. They seldom speak the truth and wouldn’t admit a mistake or failure if their lives depended on it.

Sheeple tell you how great you are to your face; once your back is turned, they speak poorly of you. Sheeple are always chasing something. They buy the latest fitness equipment piece three times a year but can’t seem to lose any weight.

Sheeple do things that they are supposed to do, whatever that means. I guess that means doing what everyone else is doing. People are not born with sheeple syndrome. They are taught/programmed by parents, peers, teachers, and other authority figures.

What’s the first nail to get hit? The one that stands out the most.

Being Authentic: The Opposite of Sheeple

Being Authentic is being true to your own personality, values, and spirit, regardless of the pressure you’re under to act otherwise.

This is precisely what keeps people stuck in the sheeple syndrome mindset. What happened to you when you were a kid and tried to be authentic, different from the pack?

That’s right!

You were teased, condemned, and vilified for being authentic. Don’t be different; we don’t like that. Don’t express your true self. Don’t show your uniqueness because you will suffer the consequences of your actions.

If you suffer from sheeple syndrome, don’t fret. There is help available to you. It’s called “waking up” and unplugging from the herd mentality that has plagued people for far too long. It takes real courage to become an awakened person.

The great thing is when you disconnect from sheeple syndrome; you will attract other people who are awake as you. This means pissing people off, perhaps also ending some relationships. This means speaking and living your truth even if it goes against conventional wisdom.

For our world to change, at least most, we need everyone to become awakened to help create the new world, not just participate in it as a spectator. I have a prediction for the future regarding human behavior. Being weird, being different, and being authentic will be the norm.

To always conform will be viewed as lame and unoriginal, which it is. However, I’m not suggesting you be a rebel to everything; be somebody important, be yourself!

Conclusion About Sheeple Mentality

Sheeple mentality is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that warrants careful consideration in today’s interconnected world.

Understanding groupthink dynamics is crucial for fostering critical thinking, individual autonomy, and a society that values diversity of thought.

Encouraging open-mindedness, independent inquiry, and a willingness to challenge the status quo can help mitigate the negative effects of sheeple mentality and promote a more intellectually vibrant and resilient society.

⇒Read Next: Groundhog Day Syndrome

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