Openness is a word that is widely used in our conversations. But most of us have not clearly thought about it.
Many of us misunderstand openness to be a state of mind where we expose ourselves to all kinds of contradictory ideas and views, without having a set of ideals for ourselves to stand on. The resultant confusion is what is often referred to as ‘grey areas’. Many a times, what is perceived as the complexities of an issue is nothing more than our own confusions regarding it. It takes an honest man/woman to analyse and understand what is what.
In our discussions, be it at home, workspace, or in social media, we generally don’t accept that we are confused. We may simply don’t know enough, but try to pass it on to others as their lack of understanding. Most of the time people use words and phrases like “shady”, “nuanced”, “has many layers…” etc. when they are confused and too egoistic to acknowledge it.
There is nothing wrong in being confused about something. It is a stage in the natural progression of thoughts. It only shows that we are somewhere between ignorance and clarity. However, acknowledging it is important. Else, we may get lost forever and never reach the shores of clarity.
Some of us get attached to our confusions. Some are even proud of them! Confusion is also projected as a sign of intelligence and deep thinking! A ‘confused individual’ is just a confused individual. He/she is not an intellectual. Yet it is true that many confused individuals decorate positions of influence in our society. They often pass as intellectuals.
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If we are to live a life committed to self realisation (self improvement may be a more acceptable term), we need to adhere to some view of life. We may call it religion, ideology, or simply a value and belief system. Each system comes with its own sets of ideals and practices. If they improve our quality of life and grant a higher purpose and vision for life, we may pursue it in peace in exclusion.
Say, I am comitted to a certain value-belief system, and to that extent don’t subscribe to other systems, yet acknowledge their effectiveness to others, would I qualify as an open-minded person?
There is no reason why I shouldn’t be, provided my acknowledgement of the effectiveness (and therefore, the validity) of other value-belief systems is out my genuine respect for others who follow their chosen path.
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We need people who live their ideals and convictions. Not the ones who sell their confusions.
We need to become such a one, ourselves!
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Śrīnāth Mohandās
March 04, 2017
Śrīnāth Mohandās 