Wednesday, October 20, 2010

I Don't Know Anything

Open your mind to a wealth of possibilities.

My philosophy of life is simple: I don't know anything.
Not literally, of course. I mean this in the sense that I don't know everything, I am not always right, and there is more than one way to look at things.
My point in looking at things this way is there is always something to learn. It might be a new way to view a problem, or an issue, or even a ripping good rumor. 
It by no stretch means I am opinionless. Just the opposite. But after nearly 20 years of reporting I am good at keeping my opinions to myself.
Rather than argue with a person who comes out with something outlandish I usually listen to what's offered.
Am I swayed?
No.
I rarely argue, but I also rarely encourage. 
I might hear something I didn't know from useful information to a  new twist on a conspiracy theory. To a writer the latter is useful information. You never knows what nugget will be perfect for a story.
The point is this, if you argue all the time because it is your belief that you are right and everyone else is wrong, then you will close your mind to a universe of possibilities and wonder.

15 comments:

Tabor said...

This is so true and I must remember to consciously do this more often. I do not try to sway people...but I am too eager to give my contradictory opinion.

Leah J. Utas said...

Tabor, a spirited discussion is fine, but I've found my way works for me.

the Bag Lady said...

I try to be open-minded, but I also love a spirited discussion on occasion. The only time I will actually argue is when I know with certainty that I'm right. Until, of course, I'm proven wrong. :)

Leah J. Utas said...

I hear ya. There are times when I cannot help but take exception to what's being spewed, but for the most part I just listen.

David Cranmer said...

" I am good at keeping my opinions to myself."

I am with you. Most of the time.

Dawn said...

I am going to memorize that last sentence!!
Thanks for this- so very true.

Hilary said...

A wise philosophy, Leah. I won't argue with you. ;)

Leah J. Utas said...

David, it's got its challenges, as I'm sure you know.

Dawn, you're welcome. Have fun with the listening. Life could get interesting.

Hilary, :)!

messymimi said...

Keeping your mind open to the possibility that you are wrong, and even looking for evidence that you might be, keeps you sharp by making you think.

Spirited discussions are welcome, and I'm willing to stay friends and agree to disagree.

Nancy said...

Not to mention draining your creative energy.

Leah J. Utas said...

Messymimi, that's right. You never know when you're going to be wrong about something.

Oh, yes, Nancy. That's another danger. I sure don't want that to happen.

Frank Baron said...

In the old tales, the fool often proved wisest. Your philosophy indicates you've achieved a high level of wisdom.

(Leah: "Did Frank just call me a fool?")

No. Well, sorta. But in a good way. :)

Leah J. Utas said...

I've long identified with the fool, Frank. I take it as a compliment. And an accomplishment.

Terrie Farley Moran said...

A wonderful philosophy to live by,

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, Terrie. I hear some interesting stuff this way.