Do you have an open mind?

Question

I do, and I have learned a great deal simply by listening to others.

Answer 1

wow tyrus, u got some crazy answers to this one.

yep...my mind is open...no my brain never fell out....lol

Answer 2

In response to Hollowagain, and this question. It is possible to both have an open mind and still not over look clear prooven facts. 2+2 = 4, that's a fact. An open minded person would say 2+2 of what? 2+2 bunnies? Well 2+2 bunnies equals a lot more than 4, probably like 8 within a day (we all know how bunnies are). But were they all male bunnies? All female? Because then 2+2 would still equal only 4.

Having an open mind is simply taking the time to find out all the facts before coming to a conclusion, rather than simply stating 2+2=4 and that's all there is to it. Having an open mind doesn't mean you have to be some sort of a fence hugging indecisive moron.

If you do have an open mind, congratulations, don't let people try to change you. If you don't, that's ok too, it's something to work for, and we can't all be perfect :)

Answer 3

I listen to others very well and I've learned a lot from doing so. As for an "open mind" , you didn't specify what you meant by it, so I'll take the general road and say no, I don't. I don't believe in abortion for any reason, I don't believe in cheating on your significant other for any reason, I don't believe any race or creed or religion is better than another one as long as they follow God and stay true to what they believe (don't use Jihad on me, that's a different story and culture more than a religion), I don't believe in a lot of things that others do...but, I'm a conservative and a Christian, so that makes me different that way from some people. I never push my ideals or beliefs on anyone and prefer they not do that to me, either. I love a wonderful discussion or debate on any topic, it just will not change my points of view. Guess I'm stubborn. :)

Answer 4

If you have an open mind as in you don't limit yourself to believing one thing is true and its opposite is therefore untrue (the law of non-contradiction x can not equal non-x) then you really can't "learn" anything. For example you can't learn that 2+2=4 because with an open mind it can = 4 and non-4 therefore 2+2 could equal 4 or any other number so your knowledge of it equaling 4 is really no knowledge at all.

Answer 5

It's a goal but one which requires patience and fortitude. We are armed with numerous prejudices, illusions, clouded perceptions, memories, and a host of intrusions that prevent true open minded communion. It seems open-mindedness grows and takes its owner on a journey into unchartered seas. The more one strives to be open and accepting the more exciting the journey becomes and the faster one travels. In other words, yea, I try to :)
In the words of DK:
"The true disciple is ever aware of the possibility of error, of the intervention of psychic intrusions and distortions; he knows well that true and effective interpretation of the imparted impression is dependent largely upon the purity of the receiving channel and upon the freedom of his nature from all aspects of the lower psychism - a point oft forgotten. A thick veil of concrete thought-forms can also distort the true interpretation, as can astral intervention; the teaching upon the Path and the spiritual impression can be interfered with by glamor from the astral plane or by separate and concrete ideas emanating from mental levels. In this case it can be truly said that "the mind is the slayer of the real." There is a deep occult significance to the words "an open mind"; it is as essential to correct interpretation as is freedom from glamor and the psychic expressions to be found upon the astral plane."

Answer 6

what the heck is up with hollwagain? Anyway, yes I do try to have a open mind when it comes to others. I know my religion and my set of morals but I also know that others my be different, and that is okay for them. Even if I don't agree will someone it is not right to be mean to them! Sorry hollowagain!

Answer 7

I prefer to have an active mind, the concept "open mind" tends to mean willingness to believe, which though that is a good thing, it can be very bad if one does not actively use reason to choose that which he believes.

Answer 8

So true. I have an open mind to other people's ideas, thoughts and beliefs. However, I don't think one can divert their thinking when it comes to tangible sciences, such as mathematics.

Answer 9

i do...
i listen to others and what they have to sayy
people often come to me tellin me their problems because they think am the best person to tell their too...i do say whatever comes to mind however positive things apart from serious situations. =)

Answer 10

Either open or empty not sure yet !!! It is good to listen to others !!!
Good job !!!* High 5 *

Answer 11

Absolutely! Life is too short to surround yourself with nothing but your own ideas! How boring!