I've been reminded of an NLP precept that The map is not the territory. Those I encounter in this world are directed by their internal perception of reality. This precept states that one's perception of the world could be different from reality, resulting in a response to reality based on a "skewed" internal representation of reality and not reality itself.
This is where seeking and following truth is important for each of us to be responding to the reality around us. This does not generate conformity but a solid foundation.