Open-Mindedness

[Jack Flak]

It's one of the most commonly "appreciated" traits, but I do not know what people mean when they say it. Is it just not being a bigoted ass? Because that's fairly common.

Or is it having no conviction regarding your own opinions, so you'll never argue? That's what I'm thinking some people mean, though they wouldn't put it in those words.

This isn't a personal rant (No one called me closed-minded today), but I observe now and then.

[Edahn]

You can think of it in a couple different ways:
1. Willingness to try new activities (anal)
2. Willingness to consider new ideas (aliens, religious beliefs)
3. Willingness to get to know people despite differences

[Night]

Perhaps we should define the inherent motivation for choosing to be open-minded. (I agree that it's a transient emotional state, Jack...)


Why would one want to try new activities?

What gives rise to such a desire?

[Hmm]

Open-minded people are fun and easy to get along with even if they can be fickle. They keep the world afloat. As the saying goes "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything", however, if the world were filled with only closed-minded people it would collapse because we'd all be fighting constantly, so I say hooray to the open-minded people.

[Enyo]

It's one of the most commonly "appreciated" traits, but I do not know what people mean when they say it. Is it just not being a bigoted ass? Because that's fairly common.

Or is it having no conviction regarding your own opinions, so you'll never argue? That's what I'm thinking some people mean, though they wouldn't put it in those words.

This isn't a personal rant (No one called me closed-minded today), but I observe now and then.

To me, open-minded means willing to consider other possibilities and also open to and respectful of other people's beliefs.

However, open-minded doesn't mean letting your brains fall on the floor.

[Jack Flak]

To me, open-minded means willing to consider other possibilities and also open to and respectful of other people's beliefs.
Those are different things, as I believe you realize. I want to know what most people mean when they say it. Do they mean both?

I'll include myself in the group of people who aren't habitually "open to new possibilities," and some don't like that. But it's always only because I've already made my mind up about something, and don't need anyone's opinion. I have a very strong notion that there are many out there who believe that if THEY aren't sure about something, no one else has enough data to be sure either. *shudder*

Being respectful of another's beliefs is something else entirely.

[nolla]

Those are different things, as I believe you realize. I want to know what most people mean when they say it. Do they mean both?

I guess they could mean either or both. Everyone has different meaning for the word.

I'll include myself in the group of people who aren't habitually "open to new possibilities," and some don't like that. But it's always only because I've already made my mind up about something, and don't need anyone's opinion.

This can be seen as closed-mindedness.

I have a very strong notion that there are many out there who believe that if THEY aren't sure about something, no one else has enough data to be sure either. *shudder*

But, this is closed-mindedness disguised looking like open-mindedness. :)

I think the real open-minded attitude is something like: "I don't know, but there could be someone who knows, so I am willing to listen" or "I know what I think, but I know that it might not be true so I am willing to listen"

[Jack Flak]

This can be seen as closed-mindedness.
Yes, and it often is called closed-mindedness, but I think it's perjorative and backwards. If someone's sure for good reason, they shouldn't ideally be insulted for it.
I think the real open-minded attitude is something like: "I don't know, but there could be someone who knows, so I am willing to listen" or "I know what I think, but I know that it might not be true so I am willing to listen"
Okay. I am starting to get an idea of a consensus. In unfriendly words, open-mindedness is "Someone stupider than me and friendly." Lol, but I can't find fault in it.

[EffEmDoubleyou]

This phrase has often confused me, as it has you. In common usage, I think most of the time it means:

"You show a willingness to grudgingly accept the ultimate truth of my brilliant opinions instead of sticking up for your own, lesser opinions".

[Tallulah]

This phrase has often confused me, as it has you. In common usage, I think most of the time it means:

"You show a willingness to grudgingly accept the ultimate truth of my brilliant opinions instead of sticking up for your own, lesser opinions".

Haha, +1.

[edel weiss]

I like to listen to everyone's opinions, contrast it with my own, and then decide what I think my opinion should be. With some topics I might be more rabid in my opinion and hence listen to people so that I can convince them that I'm right and they're... not. :D But most of the time I like to listen to different points of view, even if only to try and see the topic from differing perspectives.

And as for new experiences, I'll try almost anything thrice. And then see if I want to continue.

[PinkPiranha]

This phrase has often confused me, as it has you. In common usage, I think most of the time it means:

"You show a willingness to grudgingly accept the ultimate truth of my brilliant opinions instead of sticking up for your own, lesser opinions".

Agreed. Ever notice if you don't change your stance to what ever's considered popular, you're a prude, a barbarian, or devolved? I didn't escape the peer pressure of school just to have adults do it to me. I plant my feet and won't budge after that.

And I'm not one of those people that likes to be shoved into something I'm not sure about. I have to eyeball it and circle it for a bit and then make up my own mind. I don't believe in experience for experience's sake. I don't have to burn my hand to know that I wouldn't like touching fire. Other times, my friends help me to stay "open" to possibilities without attaching an expectation that I'll accept or reject it.

We had a horse named Lady. She was a very clever, sharp animal. She never went into something she couldn't gauge, like depth (which horses already have trouble with). There was this one watery ford we used to cross on rides. Lady would ease into it, and start testing the ground every few steps when she couldn't see her feet anymore. I relate to this behavior.

However, if something catches my interest, I'll go after it and have to be dragged away.

[Orangey]

Ugghh, I've been called closed-minded this past week because I wouldn't accept as profoundly insightful what was so lovingly termed 'paradox' in a particular theory (dressed up term for internal contradiction). Must I be so open as to accept that which doesn't make sense?

[sleeptowin]

My english is lacking, but from what I gather, it seems like having the quality of being "open-minded" is pretty much decided by the observer in the case.

(Also, it seems probable that if you make a good impression on the observer, you'll be labeled as being open-minded, even though you might be close-minded as a, uh, I don't know what.)

[Jack Flak]

My english is lacking, but from what I gather, it seems like having the quality of being "open-minded" is pretty much decided by the observer in the case.
Yeah.

Also, it seems probable that if you make a good impression on the observer, you'll be labeled as being open-minded, even though you might be close-minded as a, uh, I don't know what.)
Mmmhmm, yeah.

I don't use the term very often, and if I do it's defined as willing to try the new. I think I prefer people with conviction, so my calling someone closed-minded in that regard could even be a compliment.

[sleeptowin]

I don't use the term very often, and if I do it's defined as willing to try the new. I think I prefer people with conviction, so my calling someone closed-minded in that regard could even be a compliment.

On the other hand, one might be so convicted to their cause that they are willing to try anything new just for the sake of their cause, whatever that cause might be. Is that being open-minded or closed-minded?

By the way, I have noticed that people tend to swap the word closed-minded (in that regard) for the much nicer sounding, focused.

[Jack Flak]

On the other hand, one might be so convicted to their cause that they are willing to try anything new just for the sake of their cause, whatever that cause might be. Is that being open-minded or closed-minded?
That's just being silly and "over the top." (quotes added for teh ESL.) Conviction is one thing, and I admire it, but recklessness is for the neurotic and the drunk. Also, controlling people can go ahead and "get F'd" whether they have conviction or not.

[ThatGirl]

Open mindedness is defined by willingness to understand.


Something extremists lack

[kuranes]

being "open-minded" is pretty much decided by the observer in the case.

Yeah. +1 when you really get down to it.

I'm a "P" though, and ( even though I know the disadvantage to that ) I also know that there are an awful lot of things that are either complex, or changing often and/or dependent on outside factors. For these reasons I tend to think "waiting for more input" or a "seeking a 'bigger picture' map" can be a prudent "action" to take ( lack of a decision is still a decision ) - often enough that it strikes me that people who feel that "the fat lady has already sung" may be "wrong" ( heading for trouble/mistake ) if they do this routinely; although much of the time, in these kinds of events in question, even "right" may be only temporary and provisional.

Pink P - As modern humans we're usually not facing a situation of whether or not to burn one's own hand as an experiment, and pondering the possibilities. That's a good example of how some decisions can be simple, but not much of an analogy towards how one can be certain enough, prior to a complex event, that no situational factors need be considered. I have heard that one before, so-o-o many times. I liked your horse story a little better. ( Edit - My own analogies at the end of the post, seem a bit lacking to me also. )

However, if I'm being pressed for a quick decision on something I'm uncertain of, but cannot put off, I will tend to lean towards solutions that are more familiar, if it is crucial. I'm not as open minded then. Conversely things that are very interesting to me but not pressing and/or crucial, I may continue to ponder - sometimes far longer than most people would. For example, I may give some complete stranger the impression that I trust them, but that may be because I am aware ( even if they are not so aware, as we interact ) that it is unlikely the issue of whether to trust them will ever be crucial to me. But they may have struck my curiosity anyway, while attempting to persuade me of something unrelated.

Sometimes it is a matter of focus, also. Spending a lot of time trying to drag a car out of a ditch would be time wasted if we find out later that the car is also out of gas, and we need transportation now etc. Are we focusing on the car or on the matter of transportation ? ( We can outsource the rest . :) )

* wonders if booya is still "master of analogies", at this site also. :) That's a talent; especially coming up with them on the spot. SNAP *

Somebody please teach me how to do that !

[Enyo]

Those are different things, as I believe you realize. I want to know what most people mean when they say it. Do they mean both?

Usually, although not necessarily at the same time. I'm open to others' spiritual beliefs. I may not share your beliefs, but that doesn't invalidate them to me. (Unless you're talking about combining two spiritual beliefs that are at odds with each other. Then I think you're an idiot. That's where the "not so open-minded that your brains fall on the floor" comes into play.)

With opinions, I'm open to hearing your opinion. I may not necessarily agree with you, but I support your right to your opinion. But in that case, I still might think you're an idiot even if I support your right to your opinion.

I'll include myself in the group of people who aren't habitually "open to new possibilities," and some don't like that. But it's always only because I've already made my mind up about something, and don't need anyone's opinion. I have a very strong notion that there are many out there who believe that if THEY aren't sure about something, no one else has enough data to be sure either. *shudder*

Being respectful of another's beliefs is something else entirely.

I'm not always right. (I know, this is a shock.) An opinion may not sway me. The only time that my opinion may change is if I'm introduced to evidence that I previously didn't have. And usually with sources to back it up.

Sorry, the best way I know how to clarify something so vague is to give a little personalized detail.

[Enyo]

Ugghh, I've been called closed-minded this past week because I wouldn't accept as profoundly insightful what was so lovingly termed 'paradox' in a particular theory (dressed up term for internal contradiction). Must I be so open as to accept that which doesn't make sense?

Nope. That's when it becomes "so open-minded that your brains are on the floor".

[kyuuei]

Hm.. I'd like to think of myself as open-minded. I believe Edahn is on to something. It's a blanket phrase for several aspects of life. It could be said that you're closed minded if you're rigid about politics and your opinions on them.. yet this is entirely different than being open-minded about trying new things like food. It's a convenient way to describe a general way of thinking toward things that we don't hold close to us yet, and to insult those that refuse to incorporate what we hold close into their minds since it's not close to them.

[placebo]

Open-mindedness to me is having a certain amount of curiosity, enough to be willing to learn about things before judging. Having few prejudices. Being able to observe the opinions of others without subjectively taking them on or reacting to them first handedly. I like openminded people... but not so openminded their brains fall out. At least be able to form thoughts of your own based on what you've observed. Being able to arrive to conclusions deductively.

[Anja]

To me open-mindedness is defined like this:

When someone offers you a new idea, consider it. If it doesn't have any relevance to you after questioning, you can reject it or accept it or you can save it for later consideration under the light of new information.

All this can be, and is best, accomplished without passing judgment.

That's my idea of open-mindedness.

It may require two other qualities - the ability to be honest with one's self and the motivation to practice it.

If one has ideas or personal values that he feels defensive about, it is very difficult to be open-minded about anything that contradicts them.

I think what some are discussing here isn't about open-mindedness, it's about who is "right." That's about power and control, not about learning.

[sleeptowin]

That's just being silly and "over the top." (quotes added for teh ESL.) Conviction is one thing, and I admire it, but recklessness is for the neurotic and the drunk. Also, controlling people can go ahead and "get F'd" whether they have conviction or not.

What about being convicted to cause of being drunk? No, I'll stop now, I'm just being stupid now.

Yes, I also admire conviction.

What I really meant to ask was this, what if someone wants to start a band for instance, and they want to make it big, and they are willing to try any kind of band to make that happend? Even though it might not initially be the kind of music they set out to play from the beginning.

[Jack Flak]

What I really meant to ask was this, what if someone wants to start a band for instance, and they want to make it big, and they are willing to try any kind of band to make that happend? Even though it might not initially be the kind of music they set out to play from the beginning.
I would ask if they are an artist or simply a performer, wanting to play or sing. If you're an artist, and you compromise, you fail.

[Grayscale]

people say they want open-minded, what ive found they usually mean is people who will not be judgmental of them and open to their interests and opinions. sometimes this is a way of referring to more modern social-political viewpoints.

true openminded-ness is more often than not a disliked trait in our society since it often leads one to interests and activities beyond the norm. i am going to pick on uber here and point him out as an example.

i have fairly widespread interests, so inevitably some of them make people uneasy, this is what ive noticed.

[sleeptowin]

I would ask if they are an artist or simply a performer, wanting to play or sing. If you're an artist, and you compromise, you fail.

I agree fully.

people say they want open-minded, what ive found they usually mean is people who will not be judgmental of them and open to their interests and opinions. sometimes this is a way of referring to more modern social-political viewpoints.

true openminded-ness is more often than not a disliked trait in our society since it often leads one to interests and activities beyond the norm. i am going to pick on uber here and point him out as an example.

i have fairly widespread interests, so inevitably some of them make people uneasy, this is what ive noticed.

Well said. :thumbup:

[mlittrell]

for me open mindedness means open to admit your right, to admit your wrong, to be open to anyones ideas and views with no bias

[animenagai]

for me open mindedness means open to admit your right, to admit your wrong, to be open to anyones ideas and views with no bias

i agree. open mindedness doesn't mean that they'll accept any idea, it's that they'll entertain any idea. like jack flack said, if you've got a got reason to believe what you do, there's no need to change it. however, if someone brings up good points against your position, an open minded person should try and push his own views aside for the moment and weigh up the arguments.