Free thinkers... are you a free thinker? Are you a free speaker?

Aunt Marg

SF VIP
I've given a lot of thought to this over the years, our way of thinking and how we relay it to others outside of our own thoughts.

From the time I was a young child I was fairly outspoken and would say what was on my mind, and it only intensified the older I got, because I realized early on that remaining quiet on account of others got me nowhere and achieved nothing.

What I see today is a movement of people that are ready and poised to pounce on others the instant someone says something out of step with the times, something outside that of the status-quo, or some new wave of thinking where everyone seems to be under the impression that because our world, our ways, have progressed, so should everyone else's way of thinking.

For instance, I've always classified myself as being old-fashioned, so selling me on much of today's modern way of thinking is no easy task, yet regardless of whether or not I know I will be the recipient of scorn or ridicule, I possess an unwavering nature about me that allows me to shrug off ill-comments by those who don't care for my words, and that, too, has become much easier for me the older I have got.

So, tell me, are you a free thinker, or do you allow others to intimidate you, even manipulate you into thinking like them... people who would rather be followers than leaders, people who would rather show their weakness and go along with the crowd, rather than stand up straight like those like myself do who have a spine and say it like it is?

Wilford Brimley used to say... "it's the right thing to do", and even back in the day when that television commercial for Quaker Oats aired (1970's), I used to think to myself, who are you to tell me it's the right thing to do. I'll decide whether or not it's the right thing to do, thank you very much.

If there's one thing I cannot stand, that is others who think that they have the god given right to try and tailor my thoughts and speech to meet and live up to their own needs and ideals.
 

I consider myself a free-thinker, if by free-thinker you mean not swayed by popular opinion. Because of our age and experience, I think most seniors can smell a rat when there is one, for example, in some new ideology that comes along. I believe most of us can envision where a new idea is going to lead when the new idea isn't actually new, just framed differently.
 
While I’m capable to think for myself I’ll continue to do so (I’m 75) have a pretty good memory able to control my own money ( my hubby is a spender I’m a saver to a certain extent ) so I’ve always been in control of my savings ( I earned ) .

When we married in 1987 we both had teenage children from previous marriages I was told my earnings would be calculated in with his in the amount we had to pay his ex for child support so I took control and kept my money seperate to his .
I also had 2 teenagers to support which I did independently.

So no I wouldn’t be drawn into that sort of thinking back then (or now ) I’m the type I earned my savings it’s my choice where and how that is Spent so I don’t know if you’d call me domineering in my thinking in that department. ?
 

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Whether it be intimidation (or manipulation) that drives you from sticking to your own conclusions on any issue, you would be making a liar of yourself. (Makes me think of George Orwell's story Big Brother.)
I may not tell that I disagree with whomever that I have a differing view or opinion from theirs, but I won't go along with theirs. If I must tell, and an argument ensues, too bad, my opinion won't change--providing it hasn't been proven I'm wrong.
If I don't want to do something I'd rather not do, no convincing me to do so will change my mind.
 
We all have a mind and a heart nudging us know right from wrong, for our particular level of evolution.
I respect those who have the gumption to stand behind their opinions with independence and understanding rather than follow whatever trend seems to be in vogue.
You can voice your opinion with kindness and compassion.
It's important we each try to lift the QUALITY of out thoughts and words. Rid yourself of the hatred and affect the world in a positive way. What you send out to the world affects not only yourself but the ENTIRE WORLD!
Don't ever be afraid to stand alone in your opinions, no matter what happens!
Before you hit the "post reply" button, is what you wrote kind? Is it true?
Don't you think it's childish to name-call and condemn?
Don't show us your hateful side. Show us the wonderment in you!

Free speech and action is a great gift. Soldiers have given their lives to protect this right.
Let's use this gift wisely! We must uphold FREE SPEECH!
 
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I have opinions but they are not fixed. Over time, as I have matured and have learnt more about history and about people, my opinions have been modified. At the age of ten I had a wonderful teacher who encouraged us to voice our opinions respectfully and taught us to listen respectfully to the opinions of others. I have tried to follow this pattern ever since. I am not at all shy about expressing my opinions, nor afraid of censure from people who do not agree. I guess I am a free thinker and I exercise my freedom of speech with some discretion.

Cognito, ergo sum.
 
Great replies everybody, and an extended thanks to all for taking the time to drop-by and share your thoughts.

Nathan and Warrigal, both touched on a little something that hit home with me, and that is I, too, try and remain open to, and receptive of a sensible argument, and while my stance on certain hot-topic issues is fixed, as a whole, I try and remain open to the possibility of adopting changing thoughts.
 
Being a free-thinker does not mean you are free to think whatever nonsense you'd like.

It means you are free to research, use logic, reason, and evidence to figure things out independently.

Many people have fought hard for this freedom. Don't abuse it.

~Sean Hampton-Cole
And who decides if what someone thinks is nonsense? Do the nonsense police send out monthly memos? :unsure:
 
All this started with:
The issue was about sexual preferences where "Sunny" told Marg being "old fashioned" was nothing to brag about, rather she should be ashamed for her beliefs. Well, One man, one woman WAS the culture here and it's my belief too!
Many cultures around the world, even Utah, have many different beliefs as too harams, plural marriages, etc. Marriage was a necessity to help each other through this life. Marriage and sexuality is changing rapidly.
Why should we feel ashamed to believe "one man one woman'?
Why should we be ashamed because our skin is white?
Why should we be ashamed because we don't prefer deviant behaviors?
There are more but I'll leave the metaphor in the sexual connotation.
Because some people prefer sexual deviations which i deem unnatural, because they prefer wife swapping, orgies, crossdressing, polyamony,
whatever, (I am not familiar with all the terms) over a couple spiritually and sexually expressing their love for each other, it's not right that they IMO shove it down our throats and expect us to either adopt their beliefs or be called racist, homophobe, or some other name.

Maybe we're old-fangled! Maybe we LIKE not accepting what everyone else does! Doesn't mean we're "straight laced".
It just means we make our own path and walk it! AKA "free thinking!"
I think the one calling others names for not believing as they do, should be the one who should be embarrassed.
 
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All this started with:
The issue was about sexual preferences where "Sunny" told Marg being "old fashioned" was nothing to brag about, rather she should be ashamed for her beliefs. Well, One man, one woman WAS the culture here and it's my belief too!
Many cultures around the world, even Utah, have many different beliefs as too harams, plural marriages, etc. Marriage was a necessity to help each other through this life. Marriage and sexuality is changing rapidly.
Why should we feel ashamed to believe "one man one woman'?
Why should we be ashamed because our skin is white?
Why should we be ashamed because we don't prefer deviant behaviors?
There are more but I'll leave the metaphor in the sexual connotation.
Because some people prefer sexual deviations which i deem unnatural, because they prefer wife swapping, orgies, crossdressing, polyamony,
whatever, (I am not familiar with all the terms) over a couple spiritually and sexually expressing their love for each other, it's not right that they IMO shove it down our throats and expect us to either adopt their beliefs or be called racist, homophobe, or some other name.

Maybe we're old-fangled! Maybe we LIKE not accepting what everyone else does! Doesn't mean we're "straight laced".
It just means we make our own path and walk it! AKA "free thinking!"
I think the one calling others names for not believing as they do, should be the one who should be embarrassed.
Nothing wrong with sticking with your culture. Most people do, even the ones who are born into polygamous relationships. There isn’t anything sexually deviant about having your husband picked for you due to your religion. Not everyone gets ‘ free choice’ in this world to have a one on one relationship and we shouldn’t stereotype those that don’t in a demeaning manner.

You shouldn’t feel ashamed for wanting the type of relationship you want. Nobody should feel ashamed for choosing their own personal preferences as long as it isn’t hurting others including homosexual ones. Its absolutely none of anyone’s business.

It’s when people don’t have a choice that we should feel concerned and in some cultures that’s debatable. Nobody should feel ashamed of their race or religion either as long as it’s not hurting others.

Nobody should think their preferences are superior to others. Nobody should think their race is superior to others. We are all equal individuals.
 
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All this started with:
The issue was about sexual preferences where "Sunny" told Marg being "old fashioned" was nothing to brag about, rather she should be ashamed for her beliefs. Well, One man, one woman WAS the culture here and it's my belief too!
Many cultures around the world, even Utah, have many different beliefs as too harams, plural marriages, etc. Marriage was a necessity to help each other through this life. Marriage and sexuality is changing rapidly.
Why should we feel ashamed to believe "one man one woman'?
Why should we be ashamed because our skin is white?
There are more but I'll leave the metaphor in the sexual connotation.
Because some people prefer sexual deviations which i deem unnatural, because they prefer wife swapping, orgies, crossdressing, polyamony,
whatever, (I am not familiar with all the terms) over a couple spiritually and sexually expressing their love for each other, it's not right that they IMO shove it down our throats and expect us to either adopt their beliefs or be called racist, homophobe, or some other name.

Maybe we're old-fangled! Maybe we LIKE not accepting what everyone else does! Doesn't mean we're "straight laced".
It just means we make our own path and walk it! AKA "free thinking!"
I think the one calling others names for not believing as they do, should be the one who should be embarrassed.
You knocked it out of the park, Gaer, I couldn't have said it better.

For decades now I have been aware that I am old-fashioned and traditional in my way of thinking, and quite frankly, I LOVE that aspect of my makeup, and I know of a good number of others who are the mirror of myself and I greatly admire them for it.

My husband is the splitting image of me when it comes to his ideals, his beliefs, and the manner in which he voices himself through conversation, and I wish it was more present today, because IMO it's what society is lacking. There isn't enough of it IMO.

In many regards I liken today's day and age (and way of thinking) to that of a pail of mush, with most everyone doing, thinking, and believing what everyone else is, though it wasn't that way just 2-3 decades ago, at least not that I recall. In the past people stood up straight and blazed their own paths through life, they didn't need their hands held, and they for surely didn't jump into the same pail of mush because everyone else was wadding around in it.

Having always been the leader and trailblazer that I am, I get the impression that free thinking when attached to a minority way of thinking, isn't welcome in todays majority day and age.

I had a wonderful conversation yesterday with a complete stranger at the supermarket, a lady, who my guess is had a good 10 to 15 years on me, and the very first thing I picked up on related to her was her old-fashioned and traditional ways (free thinker and speaker), and how refreshing it was. Had I been even younger than I am, I still would have appreciated her ways (her take on life), because it reminds me so much of how my own parents were, old-fashioned and traditional.

I learned early on in life that turning oneself inside-out, upside-down, or backwards to please or accommodate others, only teaches people who aren't receptive of ones nature to stick their foot farther in the door... providing them with even more of an opportunity to try and push you around in their attempt to mold and shape you, and all while trying to snatch free thinking away.

Here is a wonderful quote that I think says it all.

"Be careful what you tolerate, you are teaching people how to treat you".
 
Free thinkers ARE trailblazers. They become trailblazers by stepping away from traditional thinking.

Trailblazers are polar opposite to the pioneer traditional thinker, also known as ‘old fashioned.’

Trailblazers are FAR from traditional thinkers. They have the courage to step out of the box and create something completely different and be ok with it.
 
And who decides if what someone thinks is nonsense? Do the nonsense police send out monthly memos? :unsure:
Critical thinking can actually be taught, Caroln. I used to teach it to college students along with teaching them how to determine if websites are credible or not. There's a difference between opinion and fact; the problem is that many people don't see that there's a boundary. While anyone is entitled to hold any opinion that he or she wishes, if he wants to discuss it with me, we both need to stand on facts. If she insists on citing opinion or garbage websites as fact, then I simply won't discuss the issue.

As for my being a freethinker -- yes. I do my best to research information from credible sources and then use critical thinking skills to form my opinions. However, I also know that, not only are they opinions, but that it's possible that more information will come to light that will change the known facts. If this happens, I have no problem changing my opinions.
 
Now why can't those on the receiving end be accepting of such.
I suppose everyone is a free thinker given the fact mind control went out at the close of the Cold War. My wife freely provides me with a piece of her mind on an as needed basis. That's alright, for I, in return, freely disregard her instructions and later suffer the consequences....freely.
 


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