The quote from Michael Crichton's "The Lost World" raises a provocative question about human sentience and awareness. The author suggests that there is a lack of evidence supporting the notion that humans are truly capable of independent thought. Instead, he posits that many people prefer to adhere to the views and ideas they are taught, rather than engaging in critical or original thinking.

This perspective implies a certain discomfort with self-reflection among individuals, highlighting how most people become defensive when confronted with differing opinions. Crichton's assertion challenges the assumption of human rationality and autonomy, suggesting that conformity often prevails over individual insight.