“When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other.”

The Laws of Human Nature, Chapter 14, The Law of Conformity

Explanation

During the earliest stages of human history, we learned via replication.

We discovered how to hunt, fish, run, climb, reproduce, and more, by copying our more experienced friends.

During the same period of human evolution, we also learned to submit to consensus.

Going against the masses by rejecting conventional wisdom would likely see us being ousted from communities, and so we naturally refrained from doing so.

These instincts still exist within us today.