Our ancestors didn't make many written records that I know of so I don't know what they were thinking. As for me, I can make some things fairly clear.
Although there are many conspiracy theories circulating, I don't believe them. I don't think the new world continents and NATO leaders are conspiring to bring a one world government that is controlled by the Illuminati. I don't think 5g radio masts cause health problems. I think the moon landing really happened. I don't think vaccines do anything to your brain and I believe autism starts in a fetus before they are born. I don't think Covid19 came from a lab, I think it came from wild animals. I don't think the Queen is a reptilian humanoid and I don't think there are reptilian humanoids living under ground. I don't believe the Earth is flat. I don't believe Israel and the Jews living there are trying to take over the world and I don't believe the Rothschild family are trying to destabilise nations to elevate the new world order or Illuminati.
I guess you could call your father a doubting Thomas. I believe something when I see it or see proper evidence but I do question everything anyway, but I need solid evidence to accept anything. I don't look down on people that embrace conspiracy theories, I just accepted their thoughts are different to mine. I even like to watch David icke videos on YouTube just to think about his views but then I think they are wrong and leave it at that.