I tell my kids to do it all the time.

“Think for yourself,” I say.

“Stop and listen.”

And, the old stand-by, “Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean it’s right.”

I’m not sure they get it — but I keep delivering the message.

The problem is that today fewer and fewer people are hearing that message. We no longer think for ourselves.

Consider this:

I can’t tell you how many honest, decent, God-fearing people I’ve met who honestly believe Elvis is working at Burger King somewhere because they saw it on the Internet.

And I wish I’d kept a list of all those I know who are sure that the United States government caused the AIDS epidemic or that Area 51 really exists.

If it wasn’t so sad, it truly would be funny.

Part of the reason is that today we want things quickly.

And, to some extent, that’s okay. In emergencies there should be a quick response. The cops — or firemen — should come quickly when there’s a big problem.

And yeah, your Mom should quickly make sure you didn’t hurt yourself too bad but there are also times when things should take a while to complete.

A good book should last a while.

A slow, wet kiss should take about three days.