Opinions Form How We Think: Closed and Open-Mindedness

Opinions Form How We Think: Closed and Open-Mindedness

There are defined differences and Characteristics between an open-minded individual versus a closed-minded person. These two ways of thinking extend from a person’s way of forming opinions, which are influenced by one’s values to make up personality. The paper addresses the question How do closed and open-mindedness influence opinions? The argument progresses by making clear how the opinions of an open-minded person are more complex and multidimensional, while that of a closed-minded individual are more narrow but now necessarily wrong. The most important evidence in support of the argument comes from the comparison of Sacks and Armstrong’s stylistic choices that capture their distinct ways of thinking. Armstrong holds an absolute view while Sacks is more open to interpretation. Conclusions and implications: we categorize our opinions between closed and open-minded. The ability to be open-minded allows for a more substantial outlook on the world.

Humans think by forming opinions about topics or situations, and these opinions are influenced by one’s values, personality, and ability to be either closed-minded or open-minded. Values are the foundation of opinions, which in turn, are the building blocks of personality; therefore, values, opinions, and personality allow a person to choose how they would like to view a situation in their own unique way. Being closed or open-minded determines how one forms their opinions, and the distinction is displayed through one’s willingness to be persuaded and informed or one’s displeasure toward accepting new ideas. Being open-minded, one expands their spectrum for possibilities of thinking, which in turn, could lead to great ideas. Open-minded individuals exhibit willingness, whereas closed-minded individuals are uneasy in regards to new ideas, which could potentially be limiting to an individuals worldly outlook.

To further analyze Oliver Sacks’ question, “How do we think?” (Sacks 316), it is required that the concepts of values, opinions, and personality are clearly understood. Values are the importance placed on specific principles by an individual. Therefore,

opinions are the individual’s developed ideas regarding a principle or situation with respect to their intrinsic values. Opinions are formed and greatly impacted by one’s decision to be closed or open-minded. Furthermore, personality is the result of opinions that make up a person’s quality and characteristics. Altogether, linking the concepts of values, opinions, and personality one can observe and characterize how a person thinks, in a closed or open-minded fashion.

Being closed or open-minded completely influences one’s opinions and personality by determining how flexible a person is regarding their beliefs and perspectives. Closed-minded individuals usually think that they are always right and