I've lived in a rural farm environment, and in Brooklyn. Both places nurtured a perspective of skepticism. It was difficult to run any idea past the clear-eyed farmers of my youth. In Brooklyn, there was a saying, "Believe that and I've got a bridge to sell you." (Reference to the notorious conman who used to sell his victims the Brooklyn Bridge).
I agree with you: it's far safer to be forced into a lifetime of honesty than a lifetime of credulity.
A person who lives on credulity will always live on disappointments and therefore become very unhappy. Thank you @agmoore for stopping by and giving your opinion.