Teachable Moments
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation."
I try to remember this quote when I notice myself shutting off from ideas presented to me by others. It's nice to think that I have things pretty well figured out. It's comforting. And I sometimes use it as license to be smug and self-righteous. But that doesn't do me or anyone else any good. Before dismissing an idea it should be considered and examined.
Yesterday I had an amazing conversation at lunch. We were at The Town Landing in Bowdoinham (if you're nearby you should make a point of going) and chatting with the owner Lynn. The subject of the minimum wage came up and Lynn had some great points that I hadn't considered before. Normally I probably would have dismissed any argument because my ego tells me *I know* all about these things, but I think my ego was groggy from my bellyful of good food because I actually listened and learned something.
I won't get into the details about the minimum wage points, that's another post. The important thing is I learned something. It wasn't as black and white as I thought (things seldom are). I'm really excited about this because it means that even though I'm doing well at cultivating my Crotchety Old Fartness, I'm still teachable.
Sometimes.
When I've been well fed.
Thanks Lynn for both the food and the insight!
I try to remember this quote when I notice myself shutting off from ideas presented to me by others. It's nice to think that I have things pretty well figured out. It's comforting. And I sometimes use it as license to be smug and self-righteous. But that doesn't do me or anyone else any good. Before dismissing an idea it should be considered and examined.
Yesterday I had an amazing conversation at lunch. We were at The Town Landing in Bowdoinham (if you're nearby you should make a point of going) and chatting with the owner Lynn. The subject of the minimum wage came up and Lynn had some great points that I hadn't considered before. Normally I probably would have dismissed any argument because my ego tells me *I know* all about these things, but I think my ego was groggy from my bellyful of good food because I actually listened and learned something.
I won't get into the details about the minimum wage points, that's another post. The important thing is I learned something. It wasn't as black and white as I thought (things seldom are). I'm really excited about this because it means that even though I'm doing well at cultivating my Crotchety Old Fartness, I'm still teachable.
Sometimes.
When I've been well fed.
Thanks Lynn for both the food and the insight!