I have always told people “TRUST NO ONE, BELIEVE NOTHING, DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH, WHEN YOU PROVE OR DISPROVE TO YOUR OWN SATISFACTION, MAKE YOUR DECISION”.
And you're absolutely right. I worked in uniform for NY State Corrections for 25 years. I learned early not to trust anyone, and that wasn't just the convicts. Question everything! And was told from day one, that the only stupid question, was the one you didn't ask. I'm starting my 20th year of retirement this month, and my mindset has not changed one bit in all those years.