Close-Minded. A quick Google search takes me to answers.com, first dictionary entry: intolerant of the beliefs and opinions of others; stubbornly unreceptive to new ideas.
A friend asked me why I wanted to start a blog. Why? Isn't that just what you do in the 21st Century? Well, he got me thinking...why, indeed. Some start blogs as personal journals, some as family updates, some start blogs for cheap laughs, some to prosthelytize, some...well, I could go on and on. The point is, I now had this question without answer. In essence, the question could be rephrased as "what is the purpose of this blog?"
I propose this purpose: to fight Close-Mindedness, go toe-to-toe with intolerance, seek understanding and try to see "truth" from all of its sides. Get ready for some quotes. Oscar Wilde: "The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple." I feel many would agree with this, yet so many cling to their "truth" without ever admitting alternative possibilities. "Chase after truth like hell and you'll free yourself, even though you never touch its coat-tails."-Clarence Darrow. What an idea! How could the world benefit if everyone stopped claiming to have the absolute truth and demanding others follow it? Rather, what if we continue to seek it? Another great quote, this time from André Gide, "Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it." Because as Darwin puts it, "It is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance."
I want to encourage people who may stumble upon this blog to challenge and compare their perspectives of truth with others who might have a slightly different take, or an entirely opposing viewpoint. However, I want to challenge these perspectives in a respectful and even loving way because, as Gandhi said, "The pursuit of truth does not permit violence on one's opponent." Or in Voltaire's words: "Love truth, pardon err."
I don't want to get caught up in outright changing of perspectives, rather I want people to question their own. The worst that can happen is that you take a step closer in your pursuit of truth, whether that means strengthening your previous perspective or giving a little to the possibility of the opposition.
So welcome, all who are seeking truth and weary of intolerance. This blog welcomes all demographics, all creeds, all political parties, religious, irreligious, hippy, conservative, green, underappreciated, over-appreciated, friend, foe or stranger. All are welcome; even the close-minded.