Politically speaking, or otherwise if you like, what does open-minded mean to you?

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A willingness to listen to others even when you might not agree with them. Doesn't matter if one is conservative or liberal. What matters is a willingness to LISTEN not just hear. Listening is a skill and involves empathy. Hearing just mean your ear drums work. JMO

At the age of 20, I asked a very artistic and open minded individual if I was open minded, he politely said, NO. And from that point on, I began to examine why I wasn't as open minded as I thought I was. I began with my sexuality, and to question why I had chosen not to engage in sexual activity. I explored all my understanding about it and came to terms that I was indeed straight, I just wanted the right man. As I grew, I began to explore my own beliefs to that point, and relized, I had alot of rigid beliefs about everything, from family values to religion to anything and everything. I didn't know anything about anything really, except what it was like to live in a family that almost shunned learning and evolving into a better person. But I grew as a person and I learned that everyone has value to some extent. But it is what we thing of ourselves that matters in the end. If I am able to understand certain things better about what person B is going threw better than person C does, because person C has never gone through it or has not dealt with what person B is going through yet, than I suppose that helps me to better find the things I need to address. Openmindedness, means being able to see both views to some extent without losing what you know is important to you and those you love in well being and physical being. Everyone has limits, and we have them for a reason. Bounderies are pivotal in understanding an open mind. And open mind is not someone who is out of control, rather someone who is learning to control themselves by understanding everything around them and the people in their lives and willing to give the time to understand many aspects of life. Does that answer your question somewhat?

A willingness to listen to others even when you might not agree with them. Doesn't matter if one is conservative or liberal. What matters is a willingness to LISTEN not just hear. Listening is a skill and involves empathy. Hearing just mean your ear drums work. JMO

Very well! Thank you!

Thank you templter & singmesweet. Once and awhile I do have a good thought.

Yes I'm glad you can look in the mirror & see yourself for who YOU are.

There is no such thing. Even LIBS have their intolerances to deal with...their Christian hatreds for one.


It goes to the question tho...

How far is too far? When is enough, enough?

Um...bre...l...la

I'm a liberal, and I don't hate Christians (heck, I AM one!) so... guess there is such a thing!

As for my definition, open-minded, to me, means being willing and able to discuss any topic with anyone, even if you don't agree, and do it peacefully and, perhaps, learn some things as you also teach others. It's a great way to share humanity's bounty, IMHO.

Oh geez...as usual... Don't address the question.

As I said before...there is no such thing. Your rights stop at the end of my nose...that's what most people really think.

Then there is justice.

I'm sure that's what many Christians thought when they voted for Hitler.