Adahn Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 [b][font=Trebuchet MS][size=2][color=darkolivegreen]Is it wrong for someone to have loosely defined opinions? Should we all take how we feel about issues, and etch them into stone? Is a dichotomous nature a bad thing?[/color][/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Trebuchet MS][size=2][color=#556b2f][/color][/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Trebuchet MS][size=2][color=#556b2f]I, personally, don't see it as a bad thing. I am apt to change my acutal opinion alot, and am not so fond of settling on one thing or another. I can and will argue both sides of topics other people are passionate about. I understand both sides of most situations, and am not in any way stalwart.[/color][/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Trebuchet MS][size=2][color=#556b2f][/color][/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Trebuchet MS][size=2][color=#556b2f]The reason for this is that most things I argue about aren't really that important to me. I find that I can learn alot by arguing with myself, and can actually augment the rationality of both sides.[/color][/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Trebuchet MS][size=2][color=#556b2f][/color][/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Trebuchet MS][size=2][color=#556b2f]How do you people view such things? Are you steadfast in what you think? Is there anyone here who's like me?[/color][/size][/font][/b] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baron Samedi Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 [size=1]I'll approach what you said with a healthy dose of amusement... Anyway, I don't anchor my beliefs on certain things, because [i]I know[/i] that I'm not [i]always right[/i], and that sometimes people need to be able to [i]admit that they're wrong[/i] and that certain issues should never be [i]argued with certainty[/i] because, really, these issues are both [i]complex[/i] and [i]unfathomable[/i].[/size] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danethol Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 Hehe...irony is fun. ^ ^ Anyway, I suppose I'm like Baron. If I know I'm wrong, I'll change my position. Although, that [b]is[/b] what people didn't like about Kerry...*pained laugh* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godelsensei Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 [COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]If you have no opinions, you have no principles. Every one has a view on whether something is right or wrong, may it lie in between, yet closer to one side, or at an extreme. However, the important thing is being able to admit you were wrong, as long as there's reason behind the other opinion that out-does your own. Still, sometimes you have to stick to your gun-katars and go with what you know is right, whatever that may be.[/FONT][/COLOR] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boba Fett Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 [color=green]I?ve got very defined, rigid opinions that I won?t back away from. They?ve been cultivated for quite some time now, and I?m able to back them up with coherent arguments and facts. I feel that, if you?re going to hold an opinion about something, you need to be able to back it up. I?ll respect pretty much any person?s opinions, so long as they can state why they believe what they do. I just can?t stand people who say things, but when asked why they think that way, don?t really know. By the same token, it?s also important to have a reasonably open mind, no matter how strongly you believe what you do. This is probably the hardest thing to do, maintain a truly open mind. It?s important to be able to see both sides of an issue, and while you may not agree with one side or the other, be able to see why they think the way they do.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeathBug Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 There's a fine line between holding solid principles and being inflexibe. There are many things I believe that you can convince me to change my mind on. However, there are core principles I hold that define part of my person. Just remember, everything isn't black and white, but it's not all gray either. Also, standing for everything is the same as standing for nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brasil Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 For those who have known me for a while now, and who have seen me debate on here, and on MyO, they know of one of my little catchphrases, "It's one thing to have an opinion; it's something entirely different to have an uneducated opinion." Really, I think that's the core issue here, because, like Boba has said, when someone can't back up their argument worth a damn without lapsing into useless, circular rhetoric and hazy, ill-defined misinterpretations that possess no real point or relevance to the topic at hand, that person simply shouldn't even open their mouth to begin with. But what happens when that person does open their mouth and start spewing gibberish? They have to be prepared to be called on their BS, and to back the hell down, to admit defeat, and not drag things out needlessly, or having to have a Mod step in, because it's a waste of everyone's time, quite honestly. And really, if someone posts incoherent gibberish and a vague, unfocused, hazy idea to start a thread or something like that, something that's not going to encourage adequate and worthwhile discussion--something that is essentially long-winded spam--, I believe the Rules advise to not post the thread, and start it when there's actually a coherent topic to discuss. Being vague and wishy-washy never helps anyone, but on the other hand, being stubborn and ignorant and utterly, blindly, and hopelessly devoted to a nonsense, BS viewpoint is just as bad, I think. Feelings are nice to have and all, but in a discussion where facts and concrete pieces of Literary evidence are needed, feelings mean jacksh-t. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
... Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 Completely agree with the above Statement made by Siren ^^^ My belief, is that if you have completely looked up the topic you are forming an opinion on, then you are welcomed to form and voice it. If you do not know what in the hell is going on, you should never form an opinion and voice it. That's called "being neutral" in a debate that involves serious knowledge on a specific topic. Such as politics. It is never a good idea to form an opinion and vote for something, if you do not know all the facts behind what you are supporting. That just back tracks the system, and you end up making those around you pay for your uneducated guesses. And wasting people's time on sloppy reasonings never gets anyone anywhere. You just annoy those who DO know what they are talking about. lol, I've been in too many debates in my life, and each time, there is always a "people pleaser" among the group, who goes with the "popular" opinion, and starts spatting things that don't even make sense to the rest of the people in the circle. Also, having a firm opinion is very important. Personally, in a situation where there ISN'T a right or wrong, a firm opinion is needed. BEFORE you open your mouth. :) There's nothing wrong with changing your opinion when one side leans you toward their reasoning, but it gets tiring when in a debate, and you see someone constantly changing sides. :rolleyes: Of course, this is IMO :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted November 13, 2004 Share Posted November 13, 2004 [color=#707875]I tend to agree that I have more respect for opinions that are supported by some kind of logical thought, or some kind of evidence/information. At least that shows me that the person involved has made a conscious decision of their own accord, without necessarily being pressured or brainwashed into thinking something. With politics especially, I come across so many people who are simply following the media bandwagon. Those people, by and large, have a position (a very strong position) that has the right ideals perhaps...but that is, mostly, uneducated. I tend to feel that people are willing to throw their opinion into the ring, but they aren't as willing to seriously go out there and try to do some research. But really, isn't it more rewarding and enlightening when you look deeper into an issue, even if you come out the other end with a new viewpoint? As for me, I guess that I have certain general philosophies about life, as a result of many things (my own upbringing, what I've seen and experienced, etc). But within those general philosophies, there is usually plenty of room for change. I suppose that if I am asked for my opinion, I can give it, on just about any issue. However, I am quite happy to admit that there are many issues where my opinion shouldn't hold much water, because it may not be a subject that I am particularly familiar with. And that is why I may not even enter into the discussion in the first place. Other people would be frustrated with me, as I would be if I were debating with someone who knew nothing about politics at all (and that has happened here on numerous occasions, lol). So, I think it's good to see both sides of an issue. It's not necessary for you to strongly come down on one particular side of something. At least if you can see both sides, you can have some understanding of what both sides think. However, I do agree with the general statement that if you are indifferent to [i]everything[/i] or you are undecided on every single issue, then you really don't believe in anything. I mean, I guess that's a bit too simple a statement...but surely most of us have at least fairly general philosophies and ideas about life, even if we don't always have views on some specific issues.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adahn Posted November 13, 2004 Author Share Posted November 13, 2004 [font=Courier New][size=2][color=blue]I find myself agreeing with all of you. The only things I have definitive opinions on are things that are important to me. I find that matters of the mind mean very little to me, while matters of the heart mean everything.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff][/color][/size][/font] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=#0000ff]I've also learned that it is unwise to attempt to explain what is truly a matter of heart with logic, and also to attempt to explain what is logical with something heartfelt. The two simply do not mix.[/color][/size][/font] [size=2][/size] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Posted November 14, 2004 Share Posted November 14, 2004 [size=1]To be quite honest, I often don't have [i]strong[/i] opinions on most things. I don't think I really can on most issues--I'm largely uninformed, and make decisions based on what little information I have, and my own thoughts on the issue. I obviously have feelings about most things one way or another (it's hard to have [i]no[/i] opinion on something), but I don't claim that my view is the right one, or that I know what I'm talking about--often, I don't. I won't defend my stance in a debate, because I don't have facts to back myself up. I can explain how I feel about facts presented to me by another, but I'm very wary of taking a strong stance about something I feel uninformed on. In a rather humorous example, I've always disliked Tinkerbell. The sudden abundance of Tinkerbell merchandise rather ticked me off this fall. I wanted to say I hated her, but I realized I didn't really know her entire story. So I rewatched [i]Peter Pan[/i], and read J.M. Barrie's book. I can now honestly say that Tinkerbell is a little wench. (Although even knowing that she's the same jealous fairy everywhere she appears, I do have somethng of a fondness for her after reading the book.) If you asked me to defend my stance on why Tink is a little wench, I could do that. I have information on that, heh. But becoming informed on most topics is far more complicated than reading a novel, and I don't feel comfortable saying I know what I'm talking about, especially with regards to current events. I really can't keep up with them, heh.[/size] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gavin Posted November 14, 2004 Share Posted November 14, 2004 [SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. Personally I can admit when I wrong, it occurs every once in a while and that's inevitable, there is nobody who's right about everything and that is something people tend to forget. Like the vast majority of people here I do hold strong opinions of things that are important to me, such as my faith and issue that go against my faith, others such as every day stuff I allow myself to keep an open mind. Those opinions which I base off the Catholic faith (Anti-Abortion/Anti-Gay Marriage/What have-you) are things that will never change, yes some parts of it have mellowed but the core beliefs remain the same.[/SIZE] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady_Rin Posted November 14, 2004 Share Posted November 14, 2004 Sara I gave you lots of hugs. [quote=Adahn] I am apt to change my acutal opinion alot ...and am not so fond of settling on one thing or another. I can and will argue both sides of topics other people are passionate about. The reason for this is that most things I argue about aren't really that important to me. [/quote] King George IV would call that flip flopping. I think I am beggining to understand the broader scope of your posts and questions. Many people who meet me at first think I'm a bit ecentric because of my lifestyle, behavior and beliefs. Over time as they become friends and aquaintences they ask, "How do you it and how can I be more like you?" I have actually come to loath that question and am amazed how often I here it from people my age,especiall the upscale set, like Todd and Laura down the road. In reality there is a simple answer. In practice the results are difficult to obtain. It is obviously not based on material wealth. It is based on completeness. If I understand/interpret Adahns' writings correctly he is searching for that answer. I also think Adahn knows the answer, yet fears to acknowledge it for some reason, possibly because of what it takes to reach the goals that answer provides. We have actually been talking about this for several days across many different threads. If you go back and look carefully you shall find a cord made of these threads. It's like climbing the hill to enlightenment and I am by no means enlightened. The answer you seek is one of [b] balance[/b]. That is all. It is by it's nature a very difficult to achieve. We have, all eight of us, acheved some sort of balance together. It's not perfect and it does teeter totter. Occasionally someone falls off, Ranger more than the others. The doctors call it PTSD mixed in with a healthy dose of ADDHD. The rest us are here to help him back on. I'm curious, am I close at least? *hug and kiss* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adahn Posted November 14, 2004 Author Share Posted November 14, 2004 [b][font=Trebuchet MS][size=2][color=darkolivegreen]People want to be more like you because you're happy. They must feel for some reason that they are not.[/color][/size][/font][/b] [b][font=Trebuchet MS][size=2][color=#556b2f][/color][/size][/font][/b] [font=Courier New][size=2][color=blue]You're right, I do hold balance in high regard. It is in everything. If there are souls, they must be in balance. It would not make sense to me for souls to be continually created, and either sent to some heavenly place or some hellish place. It takes a great deal of thought to try and get those numbers to add up. However, I won't get into that here, as it has already been made clear that nobody cares. Maybe I'll start a thread later about balance, but I've got my hands full right now.[/color][/size][/font] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady_Rin Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 People do care, see the thread I started. Balance is reachabl,e keeping it is the problem, ask Ranger; he could write an encyclopedia on the subject. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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