Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one and no one thinks theirs stinks. - Anonymous
This year, I’ve been seriously examining the way that I think. I consider myself to be a fairly intelligent person, but I’ve been questioning whether or not the way that I think actually serves me. I’ve been asking myself whether or not it helps me become the woman I want to be.
The woman I want to be? She’s an attainable goal; however, it means work on my part.
Take my stance on opinions, for instance. I have them, on a multitude of subjects, from the presidential race to tattoos to Black Lives Matter. This blog is a showcase for my thoughts and opinions. I’m not reporting the news, so I haven’t felt the need to go past my own passions. It hasn’t been an issue. People seem to enjoy what I post, but I’ve been thinking about the opinions I spout outside of the blog.
I’ve been asking myself whether or not I’ve done the work required to have an opinion. I came across a quote from Charlie Munger that answered my question:
“I never allow myself to have an opinion on anything that I don’t know the other side’s argument better than they do.”
Well shit.
Have I been doing that? Hell no. Who does that? I’m not on my high school debate team anymore - I don't research the opposition. My gut reaction was “I don’t have time for that shit.” Right after that came my ‘aha moment’. The voice in my head said, “That’s exactly the problem.” I was a little ashamed and a lot humbled.
For example, I don’t like Donald Trump. I never have, even before his run for the presidency. I read 'Art of the Deal'. It’s a fascinating book. I’ve seen ‘The Apprentice’. I liked the competition of the program. I just don’t like him. His business has declared bankruptcy too many times for my taste and don’t get me started on that mangled pompadour he calls his hair.
Do I know anything about his political platform? No. I haven’t bothered to go any further than the soundbites. From those, he sounds like a hypocrite, complaining about immigrants, when he’s married to one. I don’t know anything else about his politics. I really don’t know anything about Hilary Clinton’s politics either, but I’m pretty much planning to vote for her if she secures the Democratic nomination. I know more about what's going on with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.
As I type these words, you know how they sound to me?
Stupid.
This is just one opinion. About one thing. An important thing, but there are hundreds, if not thousands of other things that I have opinions on, very few of which I’ve actually earned, according the Charlie Munger standard.
My analytical side is openly sobbing.
Being a better person, a better thinker is hard fucking work. However, the status quo cannot abide. I’m better than this.
I have to believe I can be.
