In today’s polarized world, thinking critically and maintaining an open mind is more essential than ever. Whether in religion, politics, or everyday life, seeking truth requires us to question our beliefs and remain open to new ideas.
Growing Up in a Closed Mental System
As a teenager, I grew up in a rigid religious tradition, taught to learn and defend a set system of “truth.” This system was not open to other perspectives or any change. It was “The Way,” and it was closed to discussion.
When I attended a church-related college, one of my teachers proudly shared that he completed a PhD program at a seminary of a different religious group without altering a single belief. To me, this indicated a closed mind, not something to brag about.
Unfortunately, this same closed attitude is also evident in politics. Much of so-called leftist “progressive” thought is repressive and closed, presenting themselves as the only source of truth. Cancel culture punishes and suppresses those with dissenting opinions. Academic freedom is often denied unless one aligns with the prevailing thoughts of professors. This same rigidity is found on the extreme right, where only one truth is accepted, and no other viewpoints are tolerated.
The Goal Is to Continually Seek the Truth
While in theological graduate school, my thinking was challenged enough for me to realize that there was no One Way to think and that I needed to keep my mind open and flexible. I’ve come to understand that there is no one perfect system that is the fountain of all truth, and this is true in all areas of life.
“I believe the God of truth expects us to be open to new ideas and new research, and honor the path of truth-seeking wherever it might lead.”
Dr. Timothy Johnson, Finding God in the Questions: A Personal Journey
I believe that truth exists, and not all beliefs are equally valid. Based on evidence, some understandings are more accurate or probable than others.
Truth comes from many sources, and we must be open to learning from all of them, not just those who share our viewpoints. We must intentionally expose ourselves to diverse perspectives.
“Resolve to learn. Whenever you encounter the fixed mindset, counter it with an active determination to learn. Read widely to fuel your brain’s connections.”
Anne Janzer, The Writer’s Process: Getting Your Brain in Gear
The ancient Stoic Philosopher Seneca exemplified accepting truth from different sources. Writing to his younger friend Lucillius, he said, “Whatever is true is my own” (Letter 12.11) and “Whatever is well said by anyone belongs to me.” (Letter 16.7) Seneca’s Letters From a Stoic. He didn’t care what the source was, as long as it was truth.
The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius sought to be open to truth. He wrote, “If anyone can refute me—show me I’m making a mistake or looking at things from the wrong perspective—I’ll gladly change. It’s the truth I’m after, and the truth never harmed anyone. What harms us is to persist in self-deceit and ignorance.” Marcus Aurelius, Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: A New Translation.
Learn How to Think, Not What to Think
Education should teach us how to think, not what to think. I was fortunate to have good teachers in religious graduate school who didn’t dictate what to believe but exposed us to great thinkers and primary sources, encouraging us to form our own opinions.
It’s challenging to go against your social and political context and think independently. “Perhaps this is one of the most important and arduous elements in the journey of self-education: allowing yourself to think differently and a readiness to change what you believe.” Paul Jun, Connect The Dots: Strategies and Meditations On Self-education.
Have Beliefs, But Be Open to Change
We strive to be independent thinkers who seek truth but never assume we have fully arrived at it. We should remain open to new information and avoid the delusion that our viewpoint is the only reasonable one.
In his book, Liminal Thinking, Dave Gray says, “Let’s adopt Einstein’s religion and assume that we can agree that there is a valid, objective reality. We must still admit that any understanding we can gain of the world will be limited by our point of view. We all know some things, but nobody can know everything…Reality is something that is out there. It has a concrete existence, whether you believe it or not.”
The journey towards truth requires an open mind and a willingness to question our beliefs. Let’s commit to being lifelong learners, continually seeking truth in all its forms.
“We are always in the process of approaching truth and perfection without actually ever reaching truth or perfection.”
Mark Manson, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F^ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
We need to learn to hold truth loosely. All mental models or beliefs are subject to change, and we should seek truth wherever it might be found.