“If you have not changed your beliefs in the last few years, check your pulse as you may not be alive”. -- Gelett Burgess, as paraphrased by Ken Perrott at the Open Parachute blog.
Excellent quote. I believe that living means learning; and learning means adjusting our views as we go along. I know a few people who get out of bed every morning and go through their various days, but can hardly be said to be alive. They already have all the answers.
I know a few people like that myself, CD. I can only pray to the gods that guard my scrotum at night when I sleep that they never allow me to think I have all the answers. That would be living death.
I'm checking my pulse now. I can't think of anything significant that I've changed my mind about in the past few years. Of course, there's always been quite a bit I confess to being unsure about.
I'm curious about this. On one hand, I remember being struck by an article (book?) that made the point that people are rarely persuaded to change beliefs - the idea was that there's no sense arguing with someone since they're unlikely to say 'Thank you for showing me I'm wrong'.
On the other hand, I have seen blog sites where people say things like 'I was a Christian all my life, but changed my views after reading Sam Harris (or Christopher Hitchens ...).
Finally, one of the jungian personality dimensions that interests me in the Myers-Briggs Type tests is the 'judger vs perceiver'. The former more rigid personality is also more decisive, and less likely (I imagine) to change views; whereas the perceivers (I'll be most of the visitors to Cafe of the Cosmic D) are more open to seeing what's out there; more likely to suggest possibilities than answers. (And unfortunately for me, less able to make firm decisions even when they're called for).
Anyhow, for me, it's all up for grabs ... I'm alive, Gelett!
Don't know about the past few years, but as a university student I was a rural redneck to the right of Chingus Khan and today I am somewhere to the left of Karl Marx. Funny what you learn if you don't "stay home and stay stupid" as a friend of mine used to say.
Reading and commenting on this blog and other blogs.Practicing my guitar playing.Learning Italian 'course me and my fiancé are going to Italy to hear opera this autumn. Does some of this count?BTW,remember that I am Danish so writing in english is also a bit of a task.
Such a great point and I fear many of us do lack a pulse these days. On my old Vox blog (where there was a place for quotes ) I had my favorite from Andre Gide: Believe those who are seeking truth, doubt those who find it".
@ The Blog Fodder: Well said! By the way, I was the same. As a young man, I was much more conservative than I am today. But isn't it the sad case that most people go the other way -- becoming more conservative, not less, as they age?
@ S.W. Atwell: I think we go through periods of refining our beliefs and then -- often unexpectedly -- we enter into periods of change. Of course, there is almost always some measure of continuity. Does that make any sense?
Excellent quote. I believe that living means learning; and learning means adjusting our views as we go along. I know a few people who get out of bed every morning and go through their various days, but can hardly be said to be alive. They already have all the answers.
ReplyDeleteI know a few people like that myself, CD. I can only pray to the gods that guard my scrotum at night when I sleep that they never allow me to think I have all the answers. That would be living death.
ReplyDeleteI'm checking my pulse now. I can't think of anything significant that I've changed my mind about in the past few years. Of course, there's always been quite a bit I confess to being unsure about.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about this. On one hand, I remember being struck by an article (book?) that made the point that people are rarely persuaded to change beliefs - the idea was that there's no sense arguing with someone since they're unlikely to say 'Thank you for showing me I'm wrong'.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I have seen blog sites where people say things like 'I was a Christian all my life, but changed my views after reading Sam Harris (or Christopher Hitchens ...).
Finally, one of the jungian personality dimensions that interests me in the Myers-Briggs Type tests is the 'judger vs perceiver'. The former more rigid personality is also more decisive, and less likely (I imagine) to change views; whereas the perceivers (I'll be most of the visitors to Cafe of the Cosmic D) are more open to seeing what's out there; more likely to suggest possibilities than answers. (And unfortunately for me, less able to make firm decisions even when they're called for).
Anyhow, for me, it's all up for grabs ... I'm alive, Gelett!
What more can I add? Being open to changing one's views is being open to the vastness of life.
ReplyDeleteDon't know about the past few years, but as a university student I was a rural redneck to the right of Chingus Khan and today I am somewhere to the left of Karl Marx. Funny what you learn if you don't "stay home and stay stupid" as a friend of mine used to say.
ReplyDeleteLove that quote. God knows I'm a work in progress and yes, I'm not the girl I once was -- I'd like to think it's growth -- mentally and spritually.
ReplyDeleteDoes it count as "change" if your beliefs have only become a deeper, more detailed version of what they were before?
ReplyDeleteReading and commenting on this blog and other blogs.Practicing my guitar playing.Learning Italian 'course me and my fiancé are going to Italy to hear opera this autumn. Does some of this count?BTW,remember that I am Danish so writing in english is also a bit of a task.
ReplyDeleteGood news, I changed my mind about something significant within just the last month.
ReplyDeletePerspectives change. How close is a change in perspective to a change in belief? *ponders*
ReplyDeleteWell, I believe in using evidence and reason to try to evaluate reality. I don't expect that belief to ever change.
ReplyDeleteSomebody order my casket!
Such a great point and I fear many of us do lack a pulse these days. On my old Vox blog (where there was a place for quotes ) I had my favorite from Andre Gide: Believe those who are seeking truth, doubt those who find it".
ReplyDelete@ Doug: I've often heard that uncertainty is a form of wisdom. After all, can anyone who is certain of everything be wise?
ReplyDelete@ Ahab: Indeed! Without that openness, there is no chance of discovery.
ReplyDelete@ The Blog Fodder: Well said! By the way, I was the same. As a young man, I was much more conservative than I am today. But isn't it the sad case that most people go the other way -- becoming more conservative, not less, as they age?
ReplyDelete@ Kay: Whether it's growth or not, I think it keeps us alive.
ReplyDelete@ S.W. Atwell: I think we go through periods of refining our beliefs and then -- often unexpectedly -- we enter into periods of change. Of course, there is almost always some measure of continuity. Does that make any sense?
ReplyDelete@ Pjevs: It sounds to me like you are very much alive!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I think your English is remarkably good. And I appreciate the effort you make to read and comment! Thank you!
@ The Heathen Republican: That sounds exciting! What did you change your mind about, may I ask?
ReplyDelete@ Garnet: I would say they are very close to each other. But what do you think?
ReplyDelete@ Exrelayman: I think a belief in evidence and reason is one belief that should not change. Upon it depends all rational change.
ReplyDelete@ Amelie: I love Gide's quote! Thank you for sharing that!
ReplyDeletePaul, I had to reassess my stance on gay marriage in the face of a better argument. Here's a link, if you're interested.
ReplyDelete@ The Heathen Republican: Thanks for the link! You present a fascinating argument! I've been mulling it over for above an hour now.
ReplyDelete