This was a great read, Ellen. Changing our minds based on new information, deeper introspection, or new experiences is a healthy part of growing as a person. I like to think in terms of opinions and principles: my opinions are subject to change but my principles generally remain a constant. (I’m obviously nowhere near perfect at this.)
Removing the stigma around changing your mind can be particularly important for people stuck in extreme, radical thought patterns. Shame is such a powerful motivator in the human psyche that it can cause radicalised people to dig in and double down on their beliefs when confronted with evidence or ideas that might contradict them. (A certain children’s author springs to mind.) Embracing the idea that it’s OK to change your mind can save a lot of people from going too deep down the radicalisation pipeline.
I remember a friend jokingly said to me when we were teenagers that I was a hypocrite. And I was hurt by it, I thought why can’t I say one thing and act the “correct” way, why can’t I stick to one opinion and all those that align with it? but actually as I age I am certain that this is what being human is. Our lives are full of contradictions and that’s what being human is all about.
This is a great piece about a very particular gripe of mine! I feel the current culture and climate - especially online - is super polarised and it’s frustrating to have any sort of discussion about anything because people insist on viewing things in such a black and white manner. There is no room for nuance, or grey areas, change, or complex ideas. It really does take higher functioning to recognise those things and I feel a majority of people find it more comfortable to remain in a rigid box.
This was a great read, Ellen. Changing our minds based on new information, deeper introspection, or new experiences is a healthy part of growing as a person. I like to think in terms of opinions and principles: my opinions are subject to change but my principles generally remain a constant. (I’m obviously nowhere near perfect at this.)
Removing the stigma around changing your mind can be particularly important for people stuck in extreme, radical thought patterns. Shame is such a powerful motivator in the human psyche that it can cause radicalised people to dig in and double down on their beliefs when confronted with evidence or ideas that might contradict them. (A certain children’s author springs to mind.) Embracing the idea that it’s OK to change your mind can save a lot of people from going too deep down the radicalisation pipeline.
I remember a friend jokingly said to me when we were teenagers that I was a hypocrite. And I was hurt by it, I thought why can’t I say one thing and act the “correct” way, why can’t I stick to one opinion and all those that align with it? but actually as I age I am certain that this is what being human is. Our lives are full of contradictions and that’s what being human is all about.
This is a great piece about a very particular gripe of mine! I feel the current culture and climate - especially online - is super polarised and it’s frustrating to have any sort of discussion about anything because people insist on viewing things in such a black and white manner. There is no room for nuance, or grey areas, change, or complex ideas. It really does take higher functioning to recognise those things and I feel a majority of people find it more comfortable to remain in a rigid box.