Who is the modern gadfly?

I feel that in present day, there is no real modern gadfly because back in the days, everyone lived a yogurt, small community so most of their views are very similar. However, today, there is the Internet and planes to travel in. Many of the "different" ideas are merged and grouped together. There  is no true gadfly but there are many different opinions separated into groups of labels.

Is the unexamined life worth living?

It might seem to some people that living within their own little caves seems like a blissful thing, after all, ignorance is bliss. Actually, most of the people I know, especially the ignorant people in my neighborhood are like this. Most if my neighbors hate change, hate new people coming into their neighborhoods, hate me. I went to grammar school with some of these people. Listening to them talk, watching their actions, I learned how many of their past generations have lived in Bridgeport, andhave never moved. Now, their children continue the tradition of the stable, nonchanging lives. They embrace this stability and ignorance because they fear losing everything they have right now by gaining new knowledge and changing the system that have worked for them for so long.
     I understand this and actually, sometimes it seems almost smart and logical. However, I don't think I would want to live a life like that. I think knowledge and the "truth" may hurt us sometimes but is necessary for us to grow and prosper. What would be the point of life if one is constantly left in the dark and is never changing. Sure, stability might be security, but life without ups and downs is pointless; I'd rather be dead.
    A good, happy and fulfilling life is not measured by how long and stable you live, its how much you change and see different perspectives.