No opinions.
That’s the new mantra given in week 5 of the MKE, and it’s causing no small amount of reflection for participants in the course.
There is an exception, however. One must be asked and an expert on the matter. Since I’m an expert on little, I may not have much to offer.
Anyway, I’ve been asking myself a few questions. At what point do my thoughts or words I utter become opinion? Are all opinions bad, or is it a matter of degree? Honestly, can I eliminate all opinions? How many opinions do I hold of myself that would prove to be in error? And worst of all, how many innocent souls have I negatively impacted by my opinions?
Haanel describes that our mind is largely the result of heredity and the full scope of our environment. Not only that, it is influenced by innumerable impressions of all kinds — including the opinions we accept from ourselves and others.
The problem? Nearly all of it has been ‘accepted with little or no examination or consideration.’ Some idea in the mind seems plausible and ultimately passed on to the subconscious and accepted as truth.
Haanel describes that the subconscious is always at work for our benefit. It will solve any problem if we know how to direct it. It is bound by the limits of truth as determined and passed along by the conscious mind. He asks the question — Are we to be simply passive recipients of this activity or are we to consciously direct the work? Shall we have a vision of the destination or simply drift?
Drift! That word hit me hard. I’m plenty familiar with the concept.
“I can best define the word ‘drift’ by saying that people who think for themselves never drift, while those who do little or no thinking for themselves are drifters. A drifter is one who permits himself to be influenced and controlled by circumstances outside of his own mind. A drifter is one who accepts whatever life throws in his way without making a protest or putting up a fight. He doesn’t know what he wants from life and spends all of his time getting just that.”
The Devil to Napoleon Hill — Outwitting the Devil
Opinions can be subtle, yet they have powerful ramifications. They can cut the moorings to our highest good and set us adrift if left unchallenged.
My opinions are worth exactly what you pay for them anyway.
Nothing.
‘My opinions are worth exactly what you pay for them anyway.
Nothing.’
This is so true! Even when I am asked for my opinion I must decline to respond. I have observed it can be a trigger to be judgemental and I do not want to go there.
Thanks, Randy, love your thoughts!
Thank YOU, Louise, for reading!
“One must be asked and an expert on the matter. Since I’m an expert on little, I may not have much to offer.”
We must all take notice of this … Hit the nail on the head Randy!
A wise man once said ‘ in Truth, we don’t know what a damn thing is’
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and comment!
Randy, you are right the opinion we hold of ourselves are so important. Feed subby good images, right?
Yessir!
Thanks, this question will cause me to reflect on my own thought before I utter one word.
“At what point do my thoughts or words I utter become opinion?”
Glad to be of service — thanks for reading, Robert!
Thanks for your comment on my blog. What a powerful week, no opinions. I think most missed the point… are our thoughts based on fact! Most are not and we let them through the gate to enter the subconscious mind… Big mistake!
It makes us think, that’s for sure!
Randy, it is good that you realize the power that opinions can have in our lives. From your blog rover friend.