Open-mindedness refers to a willingness to consider different ideas or opinions. It is cultivated by being detached from one’s own point of view and accepting ideas from all others. The opposite is closed-mindedness.§
Comparing the actions of one who is open-minded to one who is closed-minded§ |
||
|---|---|---|
Situation§ |
Open-mindedness§ |
Close-mindedness§ |
When a promising new word processing program is released, you…§ |
research its features to see if it is a better choice than the one you currently use.§ |
stay with your old standby, without looking into it.§ |
When your father suggests a brand new vacation place, you…§ |
respond positively and look into it to learn about the area and its attractions.§ |
object, saying you want to stick with the familiar places.§ |
At a group discussion when a young person introduces a metaphysical idea that opposes your beliefs, you…§ |
find the idea difficult to embrace but explore it in conversation, hoping for better understanding.§ |
dismiss both the person and the idea, taking refuge in your rock-solid beliefs.§ |
Gurudeva explained: “All religions are not the same. To pretend that their differences are insignificant or nonexistent will not resolve those differences. Understanding, which brings mutual appreciation, is the only permanent resolution, and that comes through an open-minded and courageous study of the unique strengths and weaknesses inherent in each.”§
“Open-mindedness: the Hindu’s tolerant freedom of thought, inquiry and belief.”§
“Prejudice is one of the negative emotions contained in the habit mind. We may not think of prejudice as being a habit, but it is. Many adults retain very strong habitual prejudices. They do not care for people who do not belong to their particular race, caste or social class.”§
ASSIGNMENT: For these next two weeks, when encountering opinions different from your own, be open to them and see if they are worthwhile alternatives or additions to your own ideas.§
Date you began this assignment ____________________§
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF OPEN-MINDEDNESS: 
§
