When was the last time you changed your mind about something?

I’m currently living a life I had once adamantly opposed: I am living on a farm and I am homeschooling my kids. Strange how things can change when I’m flexible.

Viewpoints have been harder to change. And obviously change is not always the goal. However, when presented with new evidence, change should at least be on the table.

I’ve been observing over the past year how people respond to new information or different viewpoints. Here are some negative responses I’ve seen:

• Seeking to discredit the information by discrediting the source of information
• When discrediting is impossible, ignoring the new
• Doubting their ability to understand the new information
• Distorting the viewpoint to make it easier to refute
• Assuming that others, particularly their favorite experts or authority figures, have already considered and refuted this position
• Criticizing and personally attacking anyone who holds a different view
• Considering information and perspectives only through a political lens and not the merit of the viewpoint

Now, I do realize that not all information is accurate. What I’ve been fascinated, with, however, is how much we tend to rely on our first viewpoint, and how much power there is for those who get their viewpoint out first. The more people that vocalize their viewpoint early on, the more prevailing that narrative becomes and the harder it is for any alternative narrative to even be heard. There’s so many power dynamics at play with information dissemination.

There’s also all the emotions involved. Am I willing to reckon with how I may have been wrong about something, and how that viewpoint may have contributed harm? Sometimes that’s too painful and we refuse to examine our beliefs as a sort of defense mechanism.

I’ve been disappointed by how little humility and curiosity I’ve witnessed over the past year. I’ve seen this with people of varying political views, so I’m not pointing fingers at a particular group of people. My own posture has not been completely humble and curious at all times as well.  But this has been my goal: when hearing from someone who has an opposing view, leaning into that conversation, asking what has led them to have that viewpoint, seeking to learn from them instead of seeking to tear them down. This carries over into articles I read as well. I force myself to read articles even when the headlines make me cringe. Perhaps I have something to learn. I have to be open to considering new information and new ideas.

To live is to grow, develop, and change. Am I willing to accept influence from others and continue to grow as a healthy human being?