“Thinking Independently is at Risk: Why we should all Keep our Minds Open”
It’s no secret that Thinking Independently is at risk these days. With cancel culture running rampant on social media, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to have an open mind and share different viewpoints. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to keep your mind open and maintain your independence of thought.
Jordan Peterson said, in his interview with Cathy Newman, “In order to think, you have to risk being offensive”.
I must throw a caveat in. I do not condone hate speech of any sort. I think it is terrible that some people partake in this kind of speech.
But are we going to see compelled thoughts like Orwell discusses in his book 1984?
We, as writers who intend to publish, must balance authenticity and vulnerability with the risk of being cancelled. I am still struggling with this as a writer. Assuming we all have our cognitive biases, this proves to be a very daunting task. And it’s no surprise that many would choose not to pursue writing.
How do we keep our minds open then? That is the question. We cannot simply rely on others to think for us, or worse yet, Thinking independently is at risk. Cancel thoughts that offend us. We have to be diligent in seeking out a variety of sources and perspectives. Only then can we make informed decisions and contribute to meaningful dialogue.
It should always be the goal for people holding opposing views to bring their thoughts into the marketplace of ideas; for those ideas to be tested against an opposing view. This is all in the pursuit of truth. Truth is not easily attained. Both parties must overcome enormous obstacles to get to truth. And not every side can “win.”
The cancel culture that has taken over social media and the internet is a prime example of how we are failing to think independently. We are so quick to cancel people or thoughts that offend us. This happens on both the right and the left side of the political spectrum. No one wants to be wrong, so we retreat to our own corners and become even more entrenched into our positions. Rational thought has no place when emotions are running rampant.
I am not sure what the answer is. But open dialogue and open debate seems to be a thing of the past. I don’t think this is a good thing. We must be able to question everything, even our own most cherished beliefs. Thinking independently requires us to do that.
“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” — Benjamin Franklin
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