Originally Posted by NichePay - StuartD

Well, let's see... in one scenario, you just have some guy's word to go on.
In the other scenario, you have hear say, audio clips, news reports, witness reports and other information all coming at you from many directions with which to base an opinion/assumption on.

So in the 16th century, you hear something once from one person, and form an opinion.
In the 21st century, you hear something 37 times a day from the net, tv, radio, friends, neighbors and so on... and you think that they possibly won't have an opinion on it?? Despite not being there?

Seriously. You should consider the difference yourself.