He was a very independent thinker at an early age.

VOA: special.2010.05.30

Of course, now the real way to brand yourself as an independent thinker is to remain ink-free.

FORBES: Livestrong Tattoos, Kardashian Fashion, Brangelina Wine: Using a Celebrity Brand to Define Your Own

But I have found him first and foremost to be an independent thinker.

FORBES: Andy Beal Conjectures Harsh Market Ahead

Jim Webb, somebody who is clearly kind of an independent thinker, isn't spouting the party lines, if there even is one.

NPR: Democrats Storm Back from Oblivion