Is the act of separating ideas from people beneficial or right? Are we able to learn something from somebody that is known for saying shitty things or making poor choices?
I have a habit of removing the voice from the individual. An idea is a separate entity from the person who said it. If I hear a quote that resonates with me or promotes further consideration, I don’t care who said it. Why can’t I take this quote by Jordan Peterson – “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – and ponder it just because I don’t agree with a lot of his other opinions?
That quote is thought provoking. It encourages reflection and encourages me to use self-awareness to apply it to my own life. What’s so wrong with that?
Ok, I lied to you… That quote is from Marcus Aurelius, not Jordan Peterson. And this is what confuses me – there’s an entire group of people who’d hear that quote, thinking it was Jordan Peterson, and thus ignore it. But that same group, if informed the quote was from Marcus Aurelius, would listen and ponder. I don’t understand that!
I agree, bad people do not deserve attention. Shitty mindsets should not be spread. I think the differentiator is being able to understand this isn’t the only perspective or opinion. You need to be able to take each idea individually, consider multiple opposing angles, and then do your own self reflection.
To me, hearing ideas from others can be beneficial even if you don’t agree with most of what they say and do. You don’t have to attach deeper conditions to a quote and completely ignore it just because they said it. There’s no harm in learning from people you don’t agree with. I’m not saying you have to agree, but I think it’s important to listen.
Learning happens in your own mind. The decisions you make based on what you hear are what is important. Having the ability to hear someone out, without letting your ego and opinions get in the way, is a beneficial skill. Take their ideas, filter it through the logical part of the brain, not the emotional. You can learn from everyone, just know it isn’t the only opinion. Try separating ideas from people.
February 13, 2023
