Final answer:
Greater independence and diversity of thought promote individuality and intellectual growth, allowing individuals to make their own choices and challenge established beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Greater independence and diversity of thought can be seen as a motivating factor in the West, particularly in the USA. Historians argue that the expansion into the west nurtured a more independent spirit, as pioneers battled the wilderness and each other for survival. This individualistic mindset promotes the idea that each person should follow their own instincts and ideas, avoiding conformity and false consistency.
One example of greater independence and diversity of thought can be seen in the development of independent African churches in the late 1800s. These churches were formed in Ethiopia and Nigeria with the belief that Africans should be in charge of their own religious affairs, rather than Europeans. This independence in religious matters soon evolved into support for independence in political matters as well.
Overall, greater independence and diversity of thought give individuals the freedom to make their own choices, express their own ideas, and challenge established beliefs. It promotes a sense of individuality and allows for the exploration of new areas of thought, leading to intellectual growth.