“It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them!”
~ Friedrich Nietzsche
Who said philosophers cannot have a sense of humor? Nietzsche's quote is funny on two levels: firstly, anyone who is worth anything will demand reasons or proof for your opinions if they desire to change their own way of thinking about a subject—a logical thought pattern with logical assumptions and conclusions; secondly, the quotation actually pokes fun at philosophers because most of the time it is impossible to prove their theories because they are not tangible, testable theories. So bravo, Mr. Philosopher, you can take a joke.
I would also like to note that I detest the word “opinion.” This hatred stems from the all to obvious phrase returned to me on countless occasions during a volley of thoughts and ideas: “It's only your opinion,” usually followed by some variation of “It doesn't mean it's right.” Of course it doesn't mean my view(s) is(are) right, because I wouldn't be having a discussion if I thought I was completely right or an authority on a subject, I would just state the correct response and leave it there. Also, if I'm saying something analytical than I know it's my opinion; however, the main reason I hate the word is because nothing, literally nothing I state (aside from which cola I prefer, but even this view is backed with reasons) in an academic or analytical vain is not thoroughly researched, pondered, wrestled with, or constantly questioned. What I choose to offer to a discussion is simply my latest conclusion, arrived at through painstakingly personal evaluation and sacrifice.
So if someone offers reason, logic, maybe even a little bit of evidence, do not simply dismiss their views as mere “opinion” because you do not agree with the bulk of their argument: recognize their efforts by labeling their thought or idea as a “view,” “perspective,” or if your feeling really generous, as "theory."
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