Everyone’s opinions should be heard and given thought
As I’ve grown older and divulged myself into the college setting, I’ve met many people. These people I’ve met hold strong opinions, ones in which they’re more than happy to share.
These beliefs often range from politics to world events to social issues to sometimes even celebrity gossip, and each person often holds a belief that differs from the several others around them.
We all know this, though — everyone has their own opinions — and I personally like hearing others’ stances on certain topics.
I don’t mind listening or giving a person a chance to say what they wish, even if I don’t agree with it. What I do mind is those who try to force said opinions down my throat.
We all know these people, those who’ll fight hours on end over an issue, never letting it go. And in the society we live in today, this behavior isn’t going to get those individuals very far in life.
“Taking the time to listen to and understand others’ ideas is not only a desirable character trait that reflects positively on you, but it also enables you to learn new things and expands your capacity to think creatively,” said Todd Smith on his popular blogging site “Little Things Matter.”
Smith recognizes that listening to others enables us to gain more intelligence and to open up to the possibility of new perspectives. This is important because this is how we learn more about the world, and ourselves as well.
“Simply trying to understand someone’s viewpoint and where they’re coming from can help anyone become a more open-minded person,” said junior Coleton Thomas.
Also, I’d like to point out that I’m not saying people have to accept others’ opinions. I’m simply saying listen, because, say you do start to come around to a new outlook on a topic, that would’ve been something you never would’ve realized if you are stuck to the idea that only your opinions were right.
Another point I’d like to make is that for those who want everyone to agree with their opinions, I guarantee that if this did happen and we lived in a world in which this was the way, well, nothing would be the same.
We wouldn’t be able to identify brilliant political leaders because everyone would have the same ideas. We wouldn’t be able to discover new findings about our world and technology because no one would challenge one another. We would live in a world where diversity would cease to exist – a world where competition would be a thing of fiction. Yet, competition is what we need. It’s what keeps us thriving and pushes us all to be better people.
As Mark Twain once said, “It is not best that we should all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse races.”
So yes, voice your opinions, be confident and bold, and speak your mind. But don’t be the person who stops others from speaking their mind just the same.
