I was discussing U.S. policy on narcotics recently and was bringing up some great points on our effect on drug smuggling countries like Mexico, the prison system(as opposed to treatment and regulation), and the further alienation of the lower class. All of these are great thinking points, philosophical quandaries worthy of exploration. Speaking purely and openly, I discussed vast changes in thinking about governance and parenting alike.
I was building a hypothetical coffin, that did not need nails. No idea or proposition, especially in the realm of sociology and politics, should ever be put to rest(except the really mean ones). Populations can be as diverse as personalities. This innate variability in our world should be respected. With a pure pursuit of knowledge, a productive openness can be achieved in your conversations with others...
But I kept talking...
My initial philosophical openness gave me a soapbox, and my ego was not to waste the opportunity. My ego smelled blood and began driving those nails into the coffin. I was using examples like sheltered kids going sex crazy and getting pregnant. Luckily, my friend stops me and says "Aren't you kind of making big generalizations?" I was.
The pursuit of knowledge had dissipated like a puff of smoke and my personal agenda stepped in and kept talking. If you want to sell things, win arguments, or make the ignorant think you know everything, then by all means let your agendas drive. But if you truly seek knowledge, beware your own intellectual agendas while you speak. When you ask questions, ask not for answers that fortify your perception, just ask!
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