Yes, I agree 100%. I was just kidding when I said that. But I'm sure you knew that.
I live in Japan, where people are literally brought up NOT to think for themselves. I teach English, and I consider it my duty as part of my job to try to get my students to think for themselves and question things.
It's definitely not easy, and I'm not even sure how much influence I have when they leave the classroom. But you've got to try.
Exactly. I often call it planting seeds. Some may grow, others may not. I also view discussions with people as them planting seeds in me.