Opinions

We all have opinions and that is not a bad thing. I can’t imagine living in a world where no one has an opinion. This brings back flashbacks of conversations with my family on where they would like to go for dinner. Talk about frustrating. But opinions can also be problematic. I recently heard a quote that defined stupidity as not being able to differentiate between opinions and fact. Although I don’t like the word stupidity, the gist of the statement is on point.

The proliferation of opinions has reached a feverish pitch. We can partially thank the media and politicians for this. Nevertheless, we should also take personal responsibility for our inability to hold ourselves and others accountable for what we say and hear. To possess the critical thinking skills to bench-test ours and others’ opinions to the assumptions and evidence upon which they are based is fundamental to being a thinking, and growing person.

Have we become lazy or is our desire for tribal membership a catalytic cause for intellectual stagnation? Maybe it’s the rise of Nietzsche’s Uber mensch in a postmodern world inundated with narcissists? Individuals choosing to believe their personal truths, conveniently dismissing all beliefs that contradict their opinions. That feels like a path to nowhere.

Like so many, I express or repeat opinions without first subjecting these opinions to supporting and contradicting data and evidence. I also don’t hesitate to express poorly established opinions to others, ready to engage in an argument. So, I am part of the problem. As a rising societal elder seeking wisdom, I must be better at holding myself to higher standards. This is the only way to growing as a person and member of society.