Open-Mindedness

Jack Flak · 10-07-2008, 05:36 PM

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 · 10-07-2008, 05:39 PM

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 · 10-07-2008, 05:42 PM

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 · 10-07-2008, 06:18 PM

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 · 10-07-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · 10-07-2008, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enyo

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 · 10-07-2008, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Flak

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Flak

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Flak

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 · 10-07-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolla

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolla

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 · 10-07-2008, 08:06 PM

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 · 10-07-2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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".

Haha, +1.

10-07-2008, 05:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jack Flak SCUBA Jack, that is. Join Date: Jul 2008 Type: INTP Location: Goin' Down. Posts: 6,482	Open-Mindedness 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. __________________ If I ain't back in an hour, tell my wife I love her! Jack Flak's Function Syste m

10-07-2008, 05:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
Edahn Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Type: xxxx Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 3,712	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 __________________ "Props to Edahn for coming up with the most shrouded, complicated, esoteric questions in the history of forever. :P" -Ivy "Props to Ivy for noticing." -Edahn

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
NT's and open mindedness......	tinkerbell	The NT Rationale	53	09-12-2008 06:37 PM
Open House? What is your house guest etiquette?	ladypinkington	The Bonfire	9	08-24-2008 06:34 AM
Open mic night at the MBTIc karaoke and waffle bar	Martoon	The Bonfire	80	08-08-2008 06:42 PM

10-07-2008, 05:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
Night False Prophet Join Date: Nov 2007 Type: INTJ Location: Niflheim Posts: 1,868	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?

10-07-2008, 06:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
Hmm Teaparty Central Join Date: Jun 2008 Type: ISFJ Location: California Posts: 1,392	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.