A Short Enquiry on Opinions

It is quite an interesting facet of human nature. After all, you don't see elephant seal squabbling over whether or not tax rates should be increased, and on whom, but then elephant seals don't tax other seals mostly because they don't have the mathematical capabilities to accurately deduct a certain percentage or some sort from other seals, but I digress.

Tricky thing is, if you think about it, animals also have opinions. I mean, they probably are mostly concerning the amount of food they are fed every day, but still. They don't hold lengthly debates over abstract concepts like laws and epistemology. Humans, in that area (as far as I can tell) are unique. And I am grateful that we have been endowed with the ability of higher mental capabilities. But it does cause alot of problems. Just look at politics.

Politics can be said to be the offspring of differences in opinions, at least in an elected government. Of course, there are people who scorn politics so much, the term politician can even be used as an insult. Politics is a strange mix of our basic need to have a sort of pecking order in society, and our newer instinct to organize things in order to make life easier. The form of government through which politics manifests itself depends largely on society and it's current principles and beliefs. Be it in the form of a monarchy, who rules by divine right, or a representative democracy, indirectly elected by the people.

The problem with politics is that it is, in its own way, mandatory. You have to participate in politics out of necessity. As Plato so aptly put it; "One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up governed by your inferiors." Now, it should be noted that Plato could be something of   a snob at times, but his point is valid nonetheless. You refuse to engage in government? Fine, but your opinion will not be acknowledged or taken into account. And so we are drawn into this necessary evil, this child of human nature, as it expands itself to fit the needs of it's self expansion.

And as it grows, more and more does it encroach on our lives. There are riots in the streets over laws and policies. Not to mention the dangerous mix of some people having strong opinions but a weak basic courtesy towards other schools of thought. Truth be told, they seem to be the root of most of the problems facing some places. I mean, there are people who are going to disagree with you. The best course of action is taking a deep breath and calmly debate them. Screaming and yelling won't do you any good. And in any case, its good to have some different opinions around you. I mean, if everyone I know agrees with me, then I don't know enough people. How do you expect to change and grow without an environment to react to? I'm not saying that you have to disagree with them, but at least acknowledge that they think that their right, and you're wrong, and a reaction of violence will only deepen their opinion about your point of view.So just take a deep breath, and for the time being, try not to rage to the other person how incredibly stupid they are for not agreeing to every facet of your philosophy.