Just Want Everyone To Think The Same?
“If everyone is thinking alike, then someone isn't thinking"
Are you a part of a society that tends to celebrate consistency? Most of the people around you look the same, think the same and stick to their guns, holding firm in their unchangeable beliefs seen as marks of strength and integrity. But what happens when someone changes their mind? When someone shifts their beliefs or, heaven forbid, changes their religion, they’re often met with suspicion or even outright hostility. It’s as if changing your mind means you’ve lost it.
At its core, the resistance to change is deeply human. Our brains are wired to seek certainty and avoid ambiguity. Consistency provides a sense of security and predictability, which is comforting. When someone changes their mind, it challenges this sense of stability. It’s like the rug has been pulled out from under us, and we’re left scrambling to make sense of the new reality.
Consider the religious beliefs. Religion is often tied to identity, community, and tradition. Changing one’s religion can feel like an existential threat to those who share the original faith. It’s no wonder that individuals who convert to a different religion or abandon religion altogether are sometimes viewed as having “lost their mind.”
However, this viewpoint fails to recognise the complexity and courage involved in such a transformation. Changing religious beliefs usually involves a profound inner journey, introspection, and a search for truth that can’t be dismissed as mere folly.
Research shows that the ability to change one's mind is linked to greater cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills. A study from the University of Illinois found that people who are open to changing their beliefs tend to be better at adapting to new information and environments. This adaptability is a crucial skill in our ever-changing world.
What do you think about your family members or friends who re-evaluate and update their beliefs? Would you prefer them clinging to outdated or harmful beliefs simply because that makes them appear inconsistent?
So, should we keep doing what we’re doing – stigmatising those who change their minds? Shouldn’t we instead view change as a sign of strength and resilience?
Embracing change doesn't mean we have to abandon our core values or traditions. It means being open to new perspectives and willing to adjust our beliefs when presented with new evidence. This is particularly important in today’s fast-paced world, where technological advances and societal shifts demand that we stay adaptable and informed.
Next time you hear someone has changed their mind, especially about something as significant as their religion or worldview, don’t jump to conclusions. Instead, recognise the bravery it takes to question one’s own beliefs and make a change.
Let’s stop demanding everyone think the same and start celebrating those who dare to think differently.
