"obstreperous" - noisy; unruly
Opinion
Opinion counts.
The opinion of the people decides who will become the next President of the United States of America. The opinions of obstreperous others may destroy a candidate's credibility.
Conclusions are formed based on opinion polls.
Our opinions of other people determine the proximity of relationships.
Our opinions on particular topics may influence others one way or another.
However, the number one definition of 'opinion' in the Oxford Dictionary 2nd Edition states:
"an unproven belief or judgement; a view held as probable."
'Unproven' and 'probable' are two really ambiguous and negative words.
When getting my students writing essays, I always stress the point of making their essay personal by filling it with their own opinion. I don't want to read essays filled with common cliches, yet it appears only a clique actually possess opinions of their very own.
So, to have an opinion, or not to have?
We all see the world differently based on our upbringing, level of knowledge, and life experiences. Diverse opinions can stimulate deep thinking, consideration of other ideas, and help us to see from a different viewpoint. It can mould us into more empathic people.
A person without an opinion passes through life without contributing to the progression of society, much like a leaf flying unseen in the wind before settling in a gutter, crumpling and dying.
But those words 'unproven' and 'probable' are still crashing around my mind. I wonder whether 'unproven beliefs' or 'probable views', as defined in the dictionary under "opinion", are worth the credit they request.
Are we really satisfied in listening to someone's opinion which may be an entirely inaccurate take on the truth?
What is the truth?
Is it possible to know the absolute truth of every pressing issue and scientific process in this world?
Life revolves around opinions. What an extremely fragile existence we occupy!
What is your opinion on 'opinion'?
Now you've got me thinking early on a Monday morning. If all around us is fact then there can be no differences of opinion. That would strip our lives of much of the interaction that makes it rich and exciting. Without opinion there'd be no need for discussion. That would be a boring world. Long live opinion, that's what I say.
ReplyDeleteOpinion are personal, so we use asertivity to express them. But we have to take into consideration that, many times, our opinions make us to have a biased judgement. Because opinions are influenced by many variables like: education, culture, genre, character, publicity, experience, and so on. So, it is good to have personal opinions but let's not judge only based on them!
ReplyDeleteOpinions can be good things as they create debate and show difference between 2 people, although this could lead to confrontation which isn't a good thing. But is always good to have your own opinion.
ReplyDeleteWe all have opinions. The "opinionated" among us are those who express theirs constantly.
ReplyDeleteOpinion, when it comes to Presidential elections is hopefully based on fact. However, each persons opinion of facts varies. One thing I can tell you as an American, the Republican party runs a campaign of fear. If you vote Democratic the terrorist will get you. Ridiculous. But a lot of Americans believe it. What I know is, I lost my job because a Republican President signed a bill that allowed business' a tax break when they set up shop in third world countries.
ReplyDeleteNancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium.
Most opinions are based on some truth, but not all opinions are good or true. And often there is so much noise that it is difficult to know the real truth and formulate an accurate opinion. That's why thorough research on an issue on which we want to form an opinion is so important, but too often we are too lazy to do that research. We get the government we deserve and as a consequence we all have to suffer because of the ignorance of the masses.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Twitter hashtag: #atozchallenge
Opinions spark arguments and fuel debates. keeps our minds alert, I say.
ReplyDeletenutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Thought-provoking post!
ReplyDeleteI think that it's up to the reader/viewer/listener to decide which opinions have merit and which aren't worth paying attention to; the opinion makes the most toward finding out the truth. There are some significant opinions that people should be debating--and some that just aren't worth the trouble.
Great post! I think having an opinion is good, but keeping an open mind is also good. Thanks for your thoughts :)
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
First off, my opinion is that Lauren is a cutie pie! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd it's good to have an opinion, without one, we'd be nothing. It defines who we are. ;) And I feel it's important to share our thoughts with others. Great post!
♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
I saw a fun postcard the other day that said, 'Everyon is entitled to hear my opinion'. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blogs, in answers to your questions, yep that man really did make it under the stick (crazy huh?). I blog until the early hours in order to keep up to date on all three blogs. (Although my Girl About Town A-Z posts/photos are all complete and have been for a little while). I have turned into a blogging addict ha (but I kinda like it ;)
Holly
Well now, thank you to all for your opinions :) I would say to Elizabeth that I totally support your opinion of Lauren!
ReplyDeleteSarah, I'm all for open-mindedness!
The Golden Eagle, Arlee, sam, Traveling Hawk: it can be quite a job to sift through the bombardment of opinions we are presented with each day :)
nutschell, Angela and Rosalind, life would be rather dull without the variety that spices it up :)
N.R. Williams, all this politicking makes me wonder where my opinion really lies!
Holly, it's a pleasure to have a blog addict at my space :)
ReplyDelete