Are we entitled to our opinion?

 We have all heard the expression, ‘everyone is entitled to their opinion.’

This is used to head off an argument, or bring one to a close. An opinion is a belief – that does not make it true. It is just our opinion.

 We are entitled to think what we want, but to voice that opinion is another matter. If we have the right to voice an opinion, so does everyone else. Voicing our opinion may be challenged….and, that where the trouble starts.

 A “down the pub” chat is all about opinions, and it’s fun.

 However, that will not do for an in-depth discussion: in this case, opinions have to take a back seat. We have to provide evidence to support our stance. Unfortunately, we are all too used to trotting out our opinions (which are often acquired cliches) that we come to the point of being unable to defend them, and end up falling back on, ‘Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion’, walking off whistling smugly 😉

 The inner response to that will be, “There’s no point talking to that person…shame.”

 We need to review our reactions and opinions from time to time. That is how we evolve, and become ‘enlightened’! It sometimes feels as if people come to a point in their lives and think, “There is no more to learn in life” …what a pity (I’ve even met teenagers who think this way!)

 The problem with “I’m entitled to my opinion,” is that, all too often, it’s used to cover beliefs that should have been abandoned. It’s saying “I can say or think whatever I like,” and by that, continuing to argue in a disrespectful way. This attitude feeds a dumbing-down in society, which is becoming increasingly revealed our public discourse, and idiotic, aggressive comments on social media sites.

 So, what’s an opinion?

 An opinion is subjective and uncertain: a bit of a guess. Enthusiastic amateurs tend to think they’re entitled to disagree with everything, and have their views ‘respected’. In a conversation about lemons, things becomes personalised – “I like chocolate!”

 Worse still everything is condemned, suggesting that we know better.

So.
Are we entitled to an opinion?
Yes –
if we are talking to others who are also giving their opinions.
No –
if we want to learn something!

 When delving deeper into a topic,
we may be asked for our experiences –
but not our opinions.

This is how we upgrade understanding. 

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