Opinions versus Knowledge

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of people talking about their opinions on various issues. Often they expressed all kinds of ideas about topics in which they’ve had no personal experience and no knowledge of the subject in any formal way. In some cases their opinions were simply based on conversations with others. Frequently they express these views as though they were experts in the subjects and become very indignant or even outraged when they are actually challenged on those views. The reaction is often that as American’s we are entitled to express our views and therefore my opinions are as legitimate as yours. Frankly that just isn’t always a fact.

Let us start with the very definition of the word, opinion. The dictionary defines it as “ A belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty, a personal view, attitude, or appraisal.” Opinions are often based on nothing more than wild speculation with no facts at all. We need to be very careful when we accept opinions as though they had real value. Not all opinions are good and some are downright dangerous. Because someone has an opinion on something, does not necessarily add value to any discussion of serious issues.

Matters that are critical to the survival of our nation should not be based on opinions. They should be founded on the best available facts, data, and analysis that we can find. There is a fine line between censorship and responsible journalistic decisions on what to publish. That is no easy decision, but it is one that journalists need to take very seriously. All of us need to challenge others who are simply expressing uneducated opinion. There is a huge difference between knowing something and expressing an opinion. I may have climbed a mountain many times and looked out across the valleys below, while another person sees that same mountain and says it is just a mirage. That person might well believe it is a mirage and has a right to hold that opinion, but it means little. The mountain is still there and we’ve traveled upon it.

I have tried many times to make a distinction between matters of opinion. We probably all hold some opinions on many things, but opinions really don’t matter much unless they are supported by the best information available. No one cares much about my personal opinions. My purpose for writing most articles is not to express opinion, but to explain and generate thoughtful consideration of new ideas. Discussion is important to the learning process, but closed minds are of no value to a discussion. If we are to learn and advance our thinking, we have always got to be open to new ideas and ways of thinking about things. That seems to be the biggest obstacle to political debate these days. No one seems to be able to discuss anything without the other side just name calling. These are closed minds with no intent to learn anything. Since it is unlikely that those people will ever be able to change, it is best to focus on those more toward the middle of an issue. Hopefully the vast majority of Americans will keep their minds open and continue to seek what is true.