William James, often called the father of American psychology, once said that when people think they’re thinking, they’re just rearranging their prejudices. And the same might be said for all of us if we make sure we go to the same people, same channels, same news sources, etc. All of us have prejudices, it’s called being human. But we don’t have to own them.
It’s pretty obvious why this is important. If we gravitate toward the same people when we have a problem, listen to the same podcasts or reread the same blogs, we get the same points of view. Kind of like if I have two close friends, one who wants me to save more money each month and the other who says life is short, live for today. If I see a great deal on a cruise but can’t decide whether I should really splurge, which friend do I go to? Of course, the one with my same point of view. I don’t want to be reminded it might be irresponsible for me to take my emergency money to go on a five-day cruise.
Next time someone with a vastly different point of view gives an opinion, instead of gritting your teeth and wondering how they could be so stupid/wrong, actually be curious, ask what prompts them to say what they say and then really listen. I’m not suggesting anyone will change your mind, as a matter of fact once we get locked into a belief no one can change a mind unless we’re willing to be open. It does, however, help us see the myriad of shades of a belief or idea, and in doing so enables us to be more flexible, adaptable, and tolerant of those who don’t happen to be cookie cutter images of ourselves.
