Religion inhibits skepticism

A study shows that "when we fall under the spell of a charismatic figure, areas of the brain responsible for scepticism and vigilance become less active. That's the finding of a study which looked at people's response to prayers spoken by someone purportedly possessing divine healing powers. "
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20627574.200-brain-shuts-off-in-response-to-healers-prayer.html

I would say that is true religion aside. We tend to like to follow.

My big awakening on this, was decades ago at a Rolling Stones concert. I went to the restroom only to find a long (long long) line. I went to the front just to see, and there were two guys talking and the restrooms were empty. I asked about a line, and they said there was no line. I told the crowd that the restrooms were empty, and I went on in.

People are cattle, and like lemmings. We'd follow the crowd right off a cliff, or stand in a line until we starved to death.

Just watch politics. Politicians don't come up with ideas. They just find a group of people going somewhere and get in front. They are charismatic and people just start listening to them.