evidence: Assumptions—we can’t function without them, but sometimes they mislead and get us into trouble. Often they are based on sound evidence and are helpful, providing order and predictability. But sometimes they are built on false premises in which case they can jeopardize critical thinking and good judgment. At their worst, assumptions are the lowest form of knowledge. [...] If we don’t scrutinize our assumptions, we’ll live naively and suffer for it. If we disallow all assumptions, we’ll be unduly paranoid and anxious.