James Christensen Sleeper in lost Dreams
Main Entry: opin·ion
Pronunciation: &-'pin-y&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin opinion-, opinio, from opinari
Date: 14th century
1 a : a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter
2 a : belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge b : a generally held view
3 a : a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert b : the formal expression (as by a judge, court, or referee) of the legal reasons and principles upon which a legal decision is based
I've had an interesting week when it comes to opinions. I've laid witness to several debates on opinion. I've witnessed the negative effect on one person specifically in regard to opinions. I've seen how the opinion of one, can cause doubt and retraction on another. This effects me deeply, when I see another hurt by a form of opinion.
I understand that many people, including myself, believe wholeheartedly in their own opinion. We all form opinions on basically everything we encounter in life. How can we not? It's the process and sorting of human nature. But where does the line form, from a simple opinion to downright judgmental justification?
When I looked up the specifics of opinion, I see first a view, then a judgment, an appraisal formed in the mind about a specific subject. Thats just it, something formed in the mind is neither tangible or absolutely right. I see nothing about an opinion being RIGHT. An opinion is just that. A thought that is decided upon in the mind of a singular person. Does an opinion make that person right?
I am of the opinion that anyone who rapes, murders, does bodily harm to another human being is evil. I find that 99.9% of people would agree with my opinion. I think the ethical, moral, decency of all people understand this position. I am of the opinion God is a superior being, that should not be labeled as one "specific" religion to which all must lay claim. I can only guess a margin of the population would agree with my opinion.
So does that make my opinion wrong? I don't think so, I am singular, I am of an opinion formed with my own free will. If someone tells me they are of the opinion their religion represents God in all ways, is their opinion wrong? I don't think so, they are of their opinion, singular and of their own free will.
So here is where my concerns have stemmed from. I encountered the opinions of another that were vicious, one sided all encompassing and heartbreaking to me. Interesting enough this person doesn't even know I exist and am now making an example of his opinion. I read his comments in anothers journal and was just horrified.
I just cannot understand, I try to reach into my most understanding parts of my soul, yet cannot touch such one sided hatred. I wrote this tonight to another, who was apologizing for this person and talking about taking away from her own journal entries, in regard to this situation. I can safely add it to my journal without any reference to the person it was wrote to and the person it was about. All in the name of figuring this perplexing issue out for myself!
I wrote:
***I am going to go truly opinionated here, and here's my thought. It's not just with this situation, but basically anything. Any person who draws a line in the sand like that in the name of a one sided opinion is the person I've found usually to bring things like hate, mistrust, breakers of peace, animosity and pain. So someone as closed minded and hurtful as blank is someone I will avoid, because adding fuel to his hate is unwise***
It seems to me, that if you form an opinion and are unwilling to take the time to understand another opinion, you are putting yourself in the dark. Obviously, I am an opinionated little twit with all sorts of idea's floating around inside this place I call my mind. I may find my opinions to be right on target with my singular self, but I always and I mean always, keep myself open to new opinions. I am willing to straddle the fence, find out what another knows, understand why they feel strongly about something I may not entirely agree with. Asking questions to anything and everything brings such amazing insight. I refuse to stick my head in the sand and ignore the possibilities among us. Even the possibility I could be dead wrong.
I find when an opinion is formed and held to so strongly that it becomes "truth" to someone, lines are drawn, emotions emerge, irrational behavior ensues. Radical opinions can be so dangerous. I believe if you hold onto an opinion so tightly your unwilling to see another view, the disservice you do to your cause and your integrity is untraceable.
Whether it's opinions about politics, childrearing, books, marriage, hunting, tide with bleach, work, God, swiffer sweep or hand mopping, opinions, thoughts, art, you name it, you already have an opinion. Be open to new inspiration, others opinions, for those who are closed off to others can fuel the worst kind of animosity. I have come to the conclusion that in regards to opinions, we can stand to the left, we can stand to the right, but we must be willing to step to the center every once in awhile.
Whew, tis good to get all that off my chest, yes, I was extremely bothered and find my opinion becoming more and more emotional. My own nemesis. Taking my own thoughts to heart and to bed!
Of course, we all realize this entire entry is just my singular opinion................
14 comments:
Good entry-my curiosity is killing me-but I am sure this "opinionated" person is probably just an idiot anyway!!
This is an excellent entry. I believe in being open minded and listening and trying to understand other people's points of view. As I've mentioned in my own journal, it takes a lot to persuade me to leave my own opinions behind and truly embrace someone else's. Where we so often fail is in exercising courtesy during disagreement.
You are wise in staying away from people who are making you unhappy. I agree with you, opening oneself to a variety of views is a growth inducing process. Even accepted theories are sometimes found to be false. Once must be willing to at least consider the evidence/research/view/opinion presented without being obnoxious.
Another thought-provoking piece! As an opinionated person (LOL) I can see myself in your descriptions and as a person who tries to respect others opinions I understand your confusion. "I think, therefore I am", the dictum of rational thought, becomes "because I think you must heed me" too often, most particularly from those whose opinions most differ from our own. The most unique aspect of being human, to me, is the incredible spectrum of thought that results. That is the most important quality of Voltaire's "I may not always agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it!" Of course, "moderation is all things" is equally important....truly a subject that inspires thought! I enjoyed your opinion, Bruce
I have to make a comment about your picture first.
I was just contemplating the other day why all the angels i have, have only
one wing. I just can't keep from one of them breaking off! hmmmm, what does this mean? maybe nothing, but I found your picture to be very interesting. and I almost laughed to myself when I saw it. It's a great picture.
now.
I do know one thing about j-land, it's full of opinions. how could it not be?
Opinions are more this:
2 a : belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge
but believed to more this:
3 a : a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert
no one is an expert on you, especially someone who you have never met! I would like to say ignore them, they are just filling up on their own power trip. But, let's face it, it still hurts. and for that, I am really sorry. ::hugs::
I now have a lot to think about on opinions. I too believe in keeping and open mind to all sides. I too have my singular opinions about things, but I have chosen not make them set in stone and not budge, but listen with an open mind and heart. I really felt this entry was very thought provoking. Beth-Ann http://journals.aol.com/rwsgirl2029/ItsMyLilWorld
Very thought provoking. When I feel strongly on something, people tell me that I am very opinionated...but I feel that's okay. You need to stand for what you believe, I try to see truths on all sides, sometimes it's hard. But I will be honest about how I feel and tell it like "I" feel it is. Sandi http://journals.aol.com/sdoscher458/LifeIsFullOfSurprises
Powerful stuff there! But right on target! I have a certain judge in mind who should meet up the aforementioned "hateful" one you encountered. Do I see the possibilities of a new friendship there? (Sarcasm intentional!)
It never ceases to amaze me how people cling to fallible "truth" for dear life, and some even get paid to dole theirs out as punishment on the innocent!
Great entry!
CarrieCMc
http://journals.aol.com/ccmcwriter/TheWayICameToBeMe
Excellent thoughts, Rebecca! Quite frankly, just about everything in this world we live in is opinion. Even so-called scientific "fact" is opinion, backed up by numerous experiments. In scientific experimentation, the idea is to propose a hypothesis and then try to prove it wrong. When you can't do that beyond a certain level of significant doubt, you can say with a fair degree of certainty that the hypothesis could not be proved wrong, so it is probably right. Even then, just because you couldn't prove it wrong doesn't necessarily make it so - so it is in a sense still an opinion!
I could go on and on, but I'll save it for MY journal - that's where MY opinion belongs!! Thanks, Rebecca.
Having an opinion is one thing. Bringing hatred to the middle of a discussion is quite another. And an extremely weak way to express one's views. Anyone that would resort to this probably cannot come up with a stream of logical thought to back up their points... So they turn to viscious comments instead.
It never matters who's right and who's wrong. The whole point is to express your views while LISTENING to others express theirs. A whole lot of people forget about that listening part. Sad, but true. You rock though! Keep these thought-provoking entries coming! :D
Ari
what a great entry. The older I get, the more I realize there is to learn and know... therefore, listening to others' thought processes is a natural bridge to knew understandings and insights. Fantastic and thoughtful entry. judi
I have just started doing this and I want to say that yours is one of the best journals that I have read. I also love the picture on this entry. Kinda makes you think "why only one wing?"
Here, Here. Great entry. . . Cya, Kris
hmm, the angel who lost a wing (could it be from a sacrifice), perfect choice in art. Opinion (in some cases) comes from wanting to be heard, a need to be accepted and sometimes it comes from personal pain.
I love this entry!!!
-Michele
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