In the Gospel, Jesus looks at the crowd of people gathered to hear Him and comments that they are like sheep without a shepherd. I remember a Christian comedian remarking once about the fact that believers are often referred to as sheep. He said the reason was simple: "sheep are dumb." I equate that with the idea "people are stupid" in that we are so easily led astray. This certainly holds true for myself. Without a guiding hand, I so easily fall into behaviors that aren't in my best interest, but are quick, temporarily satisfying, and easy. Jesus's teachings aren't meant to restrict, but to protect, like a guide-rail on a mountain road or like a shepherd leading his flock.