No One Knows Anything, But They Have An Opinion About It!

(My opinion about opinions. Or should that be the facts about opinion?)

The Oxford Dictionary defines the word opinion as, “A view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.”

It’s the back half of that definition that’s the kicker. In fact, it is my belief that opinion is rarely based on fact or knowledge. And that my friends, is the problem.

When Only Opinion Is Needed.

Opinions are not based on fact or truth. Opinions are based on perception and feelings. For example, if you ask someone for their opinion they will say, “I feel that…..”

This is dangerous, opinion is based off perception. What is perceived is often a projected image, a façade, something manufactured and presented in such a way as to influence someone’s thoughts, feelings, and finally, opinion. What is, is not important, but what is perceived, is. 

When opinion is all that is needed, then there is no reason, motivation, or need to get facts, gain knowledge, or get educated.

When issues are held at the opinion level and not based on fact or even truth, then all opinions are of equal worth and value.

The most popular opinion becomes the accepted standard or answer.

Opinions can be easily swayed, influenced, and changed, especially if it is perceived that a majority hold a certain opinion. Truth and fact cannot be affected by opinion.

Everyone has an opinion, but few ever have the actual facts.

Instead of asking for someone’s opinion, let’s ask them to deduce. The Cambridge dictionary defines deduce as, “to reach an answer or a decision by thinking carefully about the known facts”.

Doesn’t that sound more prudent? Wouldn’t you rather hear what someone has deduced about an issue or circumstance rather than hearing the product of a fertile mind let lose in the theater of imagination?? Wouldn’t it be great if Gallup or Rasmussen surveyed people familiar with the facts, have reasoned with those facts and drawn a logical conclusion? Or would you like to hear someone express their inner feeling about something they have no real knowledge or understanding about?

I have grown tired of opinion. I’d like to hear your deductions. I’d like to know how you came to your conclusion. I really would. I can learn through your deductive reasoning. I might, at best, be entertained by your opinions.

Bill Hitchcock