“When we consider the target audience of propaganda, we must recognize a natural self-defense mechanism: the critical faculty.”
— Noam Chomsky
Simplified Meaning:
When people see or hear information designed to influence their beliefs or actions, their brains have a built-in ability to question and analyze it. This ability helps them decide whether the information is true or useful. Think about a commercial trying to sell a miracle weight loss pill. People naturally think about whether the pill sounds too good to be true and question if it really works. This questioning is the brain's way of protecting itself from being easily tricked. Just like how people use helmets to protect their heads, their critical thinking skills protect their minds from bad ideas. By recognizing and using this ability, they can avoid being misled or manipulated. So, when presented with information, it's wise to always take a moment to think and evaluate it.
