Psychology 101?

Let me hit you with this general psychology question:

Do people (the bulk of the masses) need led? 

Merriam-Webster 

Led: a: to guide on a way especially by going in advance; b: to direct on a course or in a direction)

Granted, there are many who are the diligent types, who know how to (and take the time to) verify and evaluate data and make a judgment on such.  But for the general public, is such diligence mostly true or mostly false?

It’s true that life in general gives us personal experiences to build on, and others can’t help but be involved in such experiences.  IOW, “No man is an island; entire of itself.”  But do we, as a people, mostly take our cues from/directions from/are followers of others (e.g., the clergy, the school system, the politicians, celebrity figures, family figures, friends' influence)?  Or, more from ourselves?  Are we mostly followers or leaders?

-If yes, mostly led by others (followers), what percentage of us?  What do you think are the causes (e.g., shifts responsibility, too much work, gullibility, etc.).

-If no, mostly self-directed, self-made (leaders), make your case for that kind of independent thinking.  How does it happen?  What are the “keys?”