Are you easily manipulated?

This is a good question for thinkers. If you were to hear gossip...something rather unflattering about a total stranger, that might possibly tarnish that person's image, would you readily believe it? Would you quickly accept "gossip" (slander) about someone you do not know and know nothing about, even when that person has never spoken to you or anyone about any such things said about him or her? Or would you instead, question the individual TELLING you these things? Would you stop and think or would you be easily manipulated into believing gossip about a total stranger?