I'm Always Right.

I'm always right.

What if…you’re wrong. Have you ever considered that? Do you go through life knowing you are right and shying away from an arguments or opinions that might prove you otherwise? Or maybe you listen to other points of view, but you have already made up your mind that no matter what they say, your answer is still better.

We live in a society where this is becoming more and more common. We go into political, religious or cultural conversations not listening, but thinking of a way to defend our stance. We go in with a response already determined and a mind that is closed off to thinking the other side might have a good point that you never thought of.

This way of living and way of thinking is very dangerous. It is dangerous for the individual and dangerous for our society as a whole. If we don’t have someone else challenging and testing our opinions, we could have very biased opinions based on only our limited experiences and views. If you never put yourself in someone else’s shoes, how can you decide what they can and can’t do? If you have never taken a look at the other side of an issue, how can you so strongly fight and yell for yours? We often judge people for thinking, voting or acting a certain way. How do you know you wouldn’t do the same if you grew up in their place, didn’t have your parents teaching you what you know or didn’t encounter the teachings you did?

If you have never had anyone change your mind on any subject, you may want to think and revaluate how you go into discussions. Or if you even go into discussions at all. There is so much more for everyone to learn. Other people’s experiences, knowledge, expertise, and new way of thinking can enlighten you and bring you to new understandings. Maybe you never thought about their side of the argument. If everyone took one step to sit down with someone who has a different opinion, with an open mind and ready to actively listen people would find a lot more common ground than we think.