Joaquim Mohsen

Don’t Share Your Opinion Unless You are Open to Having It Changed

I am a super opinionated person. Maybe more so than I should be. Opinions are like assholes: we all have one (for the most part). They are fun to share and debate. I’m as guilty as the next guy of taking guilty pleasure in arguing why I am right. I probably struggle with this rule more than any other. But, I’ve learned that if I share an opinion, I need to be open to having it changed.

I’ve found that conversations and debates are more fruitful when I show a willingness and openness to be challenged and changed. In my observation, most people argue from a place of pride or fear. And when they do, the discussions that follow end up being more destructive than constructive. People dig into their positions, egos swell, and conversations devolve. Neither side acknowledges the other as having a good point, logic gives way to sound bites, and nothing is learned.

Even if you are 99% certain your opinion is correct, still be open, you’ll surprise yourself. You still might end up holding the same position but you will be doing so by knowing you’ve thoroughly let it be poked and prodded. You will grow in your knowledge and gain insight into other’s opinions. You can leave a conversation knowing you did your due diligence and can honestly say you’ve considered all sides of the matter. I’ve also found it is more helpful in changing others’ minds. When you are open to being changed, it opens others as well. These conversations and debates become vessels of discovery for both parties instead of being a war of one versus the other. 

I know some of my opinions are hard-pressed to ever change. But I will do my best in being open and leaving a sliver of room that they might be wrong. I implore all to do the same.