In times that despise receptivity, it takes considerable intellectual independence to perceive the value of receptivity and to value and honor it.
That kind of intellectual independence will come least of all from the most receptive people — who will, in conformance with the expectations of the times will obediently perform the role of the bravest, strongest, most independent individual, because that’s what is expected, and failure to play the role would compel automatic self-contempt.
I’d argue that it doesn’t come from intellectual independence, but from compassion.
You can begin with compassion and be motivated by compassion, but what you will be motivated to do is to think independently and arrive at different conclusions.