Being a free thinker doesn't make me smarter or intellectually superior. Being able to call people stupid without them knowing it, that might make me intellectually superior, but I don't feel right taking credit for something so easy. Being a free thinker just means I am willing to have new ideas and discuss them and ask questions about them. Most ideas have already been had before so they aren't really "new" except to the person to have them most recently. There are people who are willing to have and discuss new ideas, and those who are not. Not being one of those people doesn't make you stupid or inferior. It just means that you accept what you already know or think you know, and that you're uncomfortable with the unknown. I have seen people have physical reactions to those expressing creative ideas because they are so close minded that trying to force their mind to open actually causes them physical pain and anguish. If you do are not comfortable discussing new ideas (let's be honest, you don't really think they are stupid, they just make you uncomfortable) then the most respectful thing you can do is stay out of threads where new ideas are being discussed. And this is addressed to anyone who feels this way so if the shoe fits, wear it. There is no need to be disrespectful because a new idea makes you uncomfortable and insecure. I have seen staff tear people down pretty bad in other threads where new ideas were being discussed. It's very childish and irresponsible.