Cracked Mindedness
July 13th, 2008 • Comments »
I am always hearing about diversity, relativism and open-mindedness. Unfortunately, many of the people espousing these ideals often behave as if they were some of the most ignorant, close-minded people on the planet. What does it mean to have a “closed mind”? A closed mind is unwilling to consider new ideas and different ways of thinking. A closed mind thinks it knows everything, or at least enough to make it through the course of each day. The closed mind will not tolerate opposing opinions, and will do anything and everything to protect and preserve itself.
Sadly, many people are stuck with such tiny little minds. If you think that you might be one of these people, you probably aren’t. You see, tiny little minds arrogantly assume that they are correct about everything, and that there is nothing wrong with their mentality. No, instead, I find that many people have managed to accept the fact they don’t know everything, and that learning new ideas is generally a good thing. Such people do well to listen to others, and when possible, manage to embrace new ways of thinking and even change their behavior. The problem with most of these partially open-minded people is that they tend to think that they are completely open to new ideas when in actuality they are from it.
A good example of this can be seen in any of the “hot-button” topics of the day: abortion, gun control, gay marriage — any of the things that people waste their time arguing about. For partially open-minded people (let’s call them “crack-minded,” as in, “their minds are open just a little bit”), controversial issues are frequently decided upon within their own mind, typically based on the media, their beliefs, and opinions of others in their particular social circle. Unfortunately, cracked-minded people adhere to conclusive opinions without retaining the potential for change. In other words, as soon as you think that you have the answer to something, your mind begins to close. As you then begin to reinforce your opinion with additional information and ideas, your mind continues to shut. Eventually, even though you understand that you are imperfect and don’t have all the answers, you continue to cling to certain beliefs and ideas about various aspects of life. This is cracked-mindedness.
Moving along the spectrum, we pass cracked-mindedness and arrive at the polar opposite of close-mindedness. An open-minded person is one who literally clings to no beliefs whatsoever. An open-minded person constantly remains open to the present moment, allowing all to unfold without interference. An open-minded person assumes nothing and reaches no conclusions. In my experience listening to and speaking with people from all walks of life, there is no such thing as someone who is truly and completely open-minded. There are people who seek to achieve such levels of thinking, consciousness, and living, but in the course of your day-to-day life, you will probably never actually meet one of these rare individuals.
Rather than talk about open-mindedness or how “open” your thinking is, acknowledge your assumptions, opinions and conclusions and admit your own cracked-mindedness. Stop pretending that you are so flexible in your thinking as to accept anything and everything. You know as well as I do that you resist anything or anyone that seems to contradict or threaten your personal belief system. From peaches and cream to politics and religion, you cling to your own opinions and mock or argue against anything that seems to disagree. Instead of using the concept of open-minded to protect and further your own cause, embrace your own cracked-mindedness and learn how to listen to others. They have opinions and beliefs just like you. Stop dismissing differing points of view by simply throwing down the “you’re just so close minded” card. You’re the exact same way! What makes your point of view any more valid than anyone else’s? Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, so stop acting like your particular ideas are somehow superior to those of others. They aren’t. Step down from your arrogance, and learn to hear what others are saying. There is nothing worse than a cracked-minded person who is unwilling to consider opposing ideas. You cracked-minded fool! Open up your head and listen to what others are trying to say! You never know, you may just learn something.
#1 • joshB • August 1, 2008 at 3:49 am
Are our minds really cracked, or just partially sheltered? Is open mindedness always a strength? Our beliefs give us something to hold on to, and protect us, whilst only partially sheltering us, enabling interaction with the world. True, if we cover ourselves fully we fully cut ourselves off from society and lose our ability to interact, but are we better naked?