> When I read something in a textbook I blindly believe it, depending on the broader context and the textbook in question. Is that a bad thing?

It is if what you read is factually incorrect, yes.

For example, I have read in a textbook that the tongue has very specific regions for taste. This is patently false.

> Keep in mind that research scientists need to keep abreast of far more developments than any human could possibly study in detail. Also that 50% of people are below average at their job.

So, we should probably just discount half of what we read from research scientists as "bad at their job" and not pay much attention to it? Which half? Why are you defending corruption?

You don't seem to be engaging in good faith.

The problem is that you can't just verify everything yourself. You likely have your own deadlines, and/or you want to do something more interesting than replicating statistical tests from a random paper.