Are You "Open-Minded"?

ClassicRockr

ClassicRockr

Well-known Member
I really didn't realize just how open-minded So California was until I got out of the Navy there. Found out, fairly quickly, that I wasn't raised to be that open-minded at all. Actually, most farmer and ranchers aren't that way. Some folks would actually tell me, "you just aren't open-minded enough to live here" and I really believed them. The more I seen and heard, I knew I wasn't.

And even today, I know that I'm not that much, if any. I just don't believe in certain things that others believe in. My wife knows that I'm this way and completely understands why and in many way, is the same way. From being around the rodeo family, she really came to understand how I got this way and why my step-parents taught me to be this way. Seems to me that a lot of "big city" folks are really open-minded, compared to folks that own/run farms/ranches. There is a distinct difference between the two cultures. I'm proud to be a former farmer! Even when I played rock drums, the whole "sex, drugs, rock n roll" thing wasn't me. All I could think of after playing a gig, was......."somebody get me a beer/Bud, QUICK! Dang I'm thirsty!"

So, just how open-minded are you?
 

Because I was born and raised in Northern California,fifteen minutes south of San Francisco,have always been around kids-my own and their friends,my grandkids and their friends,and foster kids now too,I have always been pretty open minded.
 
I was born and raised in a city known for it's hard life and violence ...I have lived in a few Non English speaking cities in Europe, ( Italy, germany Spain) I have seen plenty...probably more than I ever wanted, and most people don't witness ..I'm certainly not naive..but I'm not sure I would describe myself as entirely open minded.
 

I was born in Los Angeles, spent most of my childhood there and San Diego. I am open minded and my position is that if you or others aren't, that's ok. I don't condemn Homosexuals (though I am straight), I don't feel superior to other races, I believe everyone has a right to their religion even though I am not religious. I will always defend my opinions against those I disagree with and I will do it without fear of retaliation. I temper that with enough discipline to stay healthy, but even then I am capable of defending myself should I need to. Debate is good for the soul.
 
Well, some of you would not like/get along with farmers and ranchers about how they think of things that go down in the "big city" areas.

Heck, I remember, years ago, when I visited Billings, MT and had a California plate on my truck. Stopped at the downtown library for a few minutes and when I came out, there was a note under a windshield wiper on my truck. The note said, "if you plan on staying in Montana, get your plate changed. We don't like California plates here!" Well, to a lot of Montana people, California reminds them of Los Angeles and all the crime, etc. While I was there, a murder suspect was caught at a local motel that supposedly committed a murder in Palm Springs. Don't know why the dude was in Billings, but that was the wrong place to run to!

Well, fortunately I fit in with Billings (Wrangler jeans, boots, hat and Western shirt). Unfortunately, my truck didn't.
 
When I was younger, I found a poem or what ever some label it called "Desiderata" I don't remember the exact words but it says something like listen, even the dull and ignorant have their truths. I am older now and I am still learning that life experience or learning can and does influence how we all interpret someone's truth. That is one of the reasons I value this forum. We are all different life experiences, education and existence. What could be better than this?
 
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

“​
”​
Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata"
 
ClassicRockr said:
Well, some of you would not like/get along with farmers and ranchers about how they think of things that go down in the "big city" areas.

Heck, I remember, years ago, when I visited Billings, MT and had a California plate on my truck. Stopped at the downtown library for a few minutes and when I came out, there was a note under a windshield wiper on my truck. The note said, "if you plan on staying in Montana, get your plate changed. We don't like California plates here!" Well, to a lot of Montana people, California reminds them of Los Angeles and all the crime, etc. While I was there, a murder suspect was caught at a local motel that supposedly committed a murder in Palm Springs. Don't know why the dude was in Billings, but that was the wrong place to run to!

Well, fortunately I fit in with Billings (Wrangler jeans, boots, hat and Western shirt). Unfortunately, my truck didn't.
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THAT is really closed minded and stupid as well.
 
Open mindedness suggests a willingness to consider new ideas and and replace your original idea for a new one. I've changed my opinion on countless topics countless times, and because I've admitted to being wrong so many times, I've learned to be exceedingly skeptical of all ideas knowing that quite likely what I believe today I may not believe tomorrow. This variability in my belief system is not haphazard. . . I'm just adjusting my opinions to best comply with what I understand to be reality. When I do hit upon an idea which does seem to agree with reality I stick with it. I've been an atheist since the age of 14 but if God came into my house today and performed a few simple miracles to prove who he was I stop being an atheist. I'm open minded God you just need to give me a good reason to believe in you.
 
ClassicRockr said:
Well, some of you would not like/get along with farmers and ranchers about how they think of things that go down in the "big city" areas.

Heck, I remember, years ago, when I visited Billings, MT and had a California plate on my truck. Stopped at the downtown library for a few minutes and when I came out, there was a note under a windshield wiper on my truck. The note said, "if you plan on staying in Montana, get your plate changed. We don't like California plates here!" Well, to a lot of Montana people, California reminds them of Los Angeles and all the crime, etc. While I was there, a murder suspect was caught at a local motel that supposedly committed a murder in Palm Springs. Don't know why the dude was in Billings, but that was the wrong place to run to!

Well, fortunately I fit in with Billings (Wrangler jeans, boots, hat and Western shirt). Unfortunately, my truck didn't.
Click to expand...

I lived 10 years in South Dakota and got along great with my farmer friends, supper at my place, theirs out on the farm. No problem.
 
ClassicRockr said:
Well, some of you would not like/get along with farmers and ranchers about how they think of things that go down in the "big city" areas.

Heck, I remember, years ago, when I visited Billings, MT and had a California plate on my truck. Stopped at the downtown library for a few minutes and when I came out, there was a note under a windshield wiper on my truck. The note said, "if you plan on staying in Montana, get your plate changed. We don't like California plates here!" Well, to a lot of Montana people, California reminds them of Los Angeles and all the crime, etc. While I was there, a murder suspect was caught at a local motel that supposedly committed a murder in Palm Springs. Don't know why the dude was in Billings, but that was the wrong place to run to!

Well, fortunately I fit in with Billings (Wrangler jeans, boots, hat and Western shirt). Unfortunately, my truck didn't.
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sounds like a really friendly little town!
 
If, by saying open minded, you mean open to ideas other than those you are familiar with, then yes, I am open minded.Some people say open minded and really mean open to all sorts of vices, but I'm sure you didn't mean that.:eek:nthego:
 
Josiah09 said:
Open mindedness suggests a willingness to consider new ideas and and replace your original idea for a new one. I've changed my opinion on countless topics countless times, and because I've admitted to being wrong so many times, I've learned to be exceedingly skeptical of all ideas knowing that quite likely what I believe today I may not believe tomorrow. This variability in my belief system is not haphazard. . . I'm just adjusting my opinions to best comply with what I understand to be reality. When I do hit upon an idea which does seem to agree with reality I stick with it. I've been an atheist since the age of 14 but if God came into my house today and performed a few simple miracles to prove who he was I stop being an atheist. I'm open minded God you just need to give me a good reason to believe in you.
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Good post but may I humbly suggest that to recognise God in your life you have to have an open heart. Open heartedness suggests a willingness to turn your life completely upside down. It's being open to sudden revolution, as well as gradual evolution.
 
I don't mean to be difficult DW, but I just don't know what having an open heart means. I presume it means something along the lines of having a emotional predisposition to accept the idea of God. My experience and what I have learned from the history of science, is that emotions play a decidedly negative role in establishing the truth of falsity of a proposition. Wanting something to be true is subjective behavior where as science is interested in objective reality. Scientists try very hard not to let their emotions cloud their judgement. If you want to argue that establishing a belief in God has nothing to do with science. I will reply that the scientific method has been the best tool for establishing the truth or falsity of any proposition.
 
Maybe my idea of being open-minded is different then some, but I believe I am open-minded. What that means to me is that I do not have to go along with what others think or do. But I do like to hear what they have to say, so I can have some understanding. I don't just close my mind to someone who is living "say" a lifestyle that I don't choose to live, or say, they love living on the beach, but I prefer the mountains. I don't consider myself right and them wrong. I'm also that way with things like politics, religion, or any other belief, way of life, opinion. I don't think of it as I am right and anyone who disagrees is wrong.

I like to think that someday, somehow, we will all have every, question answered. Like our origins, like "the truth is out there" and where the heck is "out there";)

PS Hi Josiah, I wanted to add that I don't think being open-minded needs to demand a willingness to change our minds, but I do think it is to accept others ways/beliefs etc.:) And definitely not insist on being right, just because my belief is different, does not make me right.
 
Dame Warrigal said:
Good post but may I humbly suggest that to recognise God in your life you have to have an open heart. Open heartedness suggests a willingness to turn your life completely upside down. It's being open to sudden revolution, as well as gradual evolution.
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I don't know how to put this in words, ok, let you all know that from the get-go, but I want to try. I like what you are saying DW because I believe there is more to this Universe then just the physical, what we can see, touch, hear?? There is something I will just call Spirit, the spiritual. I don't believe science can grasp the spiritual part of us, or our surroundings. I love science, don't misunderstand, but I think of science, sometimes, as something that man/woman uses to try to explain the unexplainable. Some things they are able to come up with an explanation, far out. But is it true, I don't know. I believe there is something far beyond anything man/woman can even begin to comprehend, some call it God, some call it, hell if I know;)
 
nwlady said:
I don't know how to put this in words, ok, let you all know that from the get-go, but I want to try. I like what you are saying DW because I believe there is more to this Universe then just the physical, what we can see, touch, hear?? There is something I will just call Spirit, the spiritual. I don't believe science can grasp the spiritual part of us, or our surroundings. I love science, don't misunderstand, but I think of science, sometimes, as something that man/woman uses to try to explain the unexplainable. Some things they are able to come up with an explanation, far out. But is it true, I don't know. I believe there is something far beyond anything man/woman can even begin to comprehend, some call it God, some call it, hell if I know;)
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Science explains through the repeated verification via observation. When all who 'test' the question or issue repeatedly and come up with the same answer over and over, than it can be 'known'. Anything less than that is faith or belief or hope.

And science can be a basis for spiritual things. I'm a keen fan of a NASA physicist name Tom Campbell and I believe that his explanation of what science has proven to be true (via the Double Slit Experiment and the Measurement Problem) supports the 'likelihood' of a Consciousness that designed and created the physical world as we know it and for a very specific reason and it had nothing to do with 'worship Me because I am God'. Toms thinking on the whole question of our spiritual and physical world, in my mind, is supported by the experiences of people who have died and come back as well as a number of other experiential philosophies and historical ancient traditions. Now these ideas would truly be a test of how open minded one is I think.

I think that I can say wholeheartedly that I am very open minded. The only place where I draw the line is when a being or the planet is being harmed whether deliberately or through ignorance. And I'd say too that being open-minded also requires us to be skeptical at all times and open to new understandings based on new evidence.
 
Josiah09 said:
I don't mean to be difficult DW, but I just don't know what having an open heart means. I presume it means something along the lines of having a emotional predisposition to accept the idea of God. My experience and what I have learned from the history of science, is that emotions play a decidedly negative role in establishing the truth of falsity of a proposition. Wanting something to be true is subjective behavior where as science is interested in objective reality. Scientists try very hard not to let their emotions cloud their judgement. If you want to argue that establishing a belief in God has nothing to do with science. I will reply that the scientific method has been the best tool for establishing the truth or falsity of any proposition.
Click to expand...
I know all about the scientific method, having been a high school science teacher who taught both the history of science and the scientific method to my students.
By the way, try as they may, scientists are also subject to their emotions, current world view and preconceived ideas. They are more open minded than most but not as much as they would like to believe.

Science cannot prove nor disprove the proposition that there is a god, for the very simple reason that "god" is an ill defined concept. Science and mathematics require well defined concepts to work with.

When we talk about God we must necessarily use metaphor, not definitions. The Christian bible is full of parables that say "God is like..." The Jewish scripture simply say that God is unknowable mystery. Not something that science can grapple with. If we dismiss it as nonsense , we are not relying on the scientific method, but on our own emotions, world view and preconceived ideas.

In explaining my own initial experience of God I would refer you to a passage in Revelation (not a book I pretend to understand, by the way). It says: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Being open hearted means opening the door when you hear the knocking. Metaphorically you close the book of scientific method that you have been reading and walk over to the door, which is the door of new revelation, and open it. Thereafter you still appreciate the old book which is science but you realise that it is not the font of all wisdom. And wherever you happen to find yourself, you will never be alone again.

Edit - I note I've used the pronoun "you" quite a lot. Please don't think that I am trying to evangelise anyone. I'm simply trying to explain that some things are not covered by the discipline of science. They are much more experiential than observational.
 

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