TED Community » Thomas Hawkins

More About Me

An idea worth spreading

growth is a misconception when it comes to success, productivity and need.

Talk to me about

everything! thats why I joined TED. no barriers here, and if you find them, smash them with an email

Comments

• TEDCred score: +5.50 TEDCred reflects your contribution to the TED community.

• A reply on Conversation: Do we have an opinion about everything? If not, should we?

  Apr 5 2013: I was waiting for this ;)

• A reply on Conversation: Do we have an opinion about everything? If not, should we?

  Apr 5 2013: Hey Tibor,
  
  Thanks for the contribution.
  I agree that certain topics will have priority over others in our lives, thus our opinions are likely to follow the same order.
  
  Here's a question for you... As you said that "most of the things are super-complicated so its not so good to have strong opinions about them" would that suggest IF you had a greater understanding of the topic you should have an opinion, or can you sit on the fence still with no opinion even though you have great understanding?

• A reply on Conversation: Do we have an opinion about everything? If not, should we?

  Apr 5 2013: Thanks Kate,
  
  I like how you believe we construct and finalise our opinions that are "true" for us. That makes a lot of sense.
  
  It's a pleasure to talk "with" you :)
• +1

  A reply on Conversation: Do we have an opinion about everything? If not, should we?

  Apr 5 2013: Scott... I'm assuming this is a reply to a convo found somewhere below?! :)
  
  I agree we should inquire deeply to seek a deeper understanding. But, the "from there..." part I have to ask; are you saying we should search for hollowness or that it just shows itself as we inquire?
  
  If the questions get boring, let me know! lol
• +2

  A reply on Conversation: Do we have an opinion about everything? If not, should we?

  Apr 2 2013: Hey Feyisayo, thanks for your comment!
  
  Always a pleasure to bring music into a conversation! I went and listened to John Mayer before replying... I'd never heard that song before. Always glad to hear new music. Thanks.
  
  "All it takes is wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent." - but it takes courage for the quiet type to voice their heart. A fine line.
  
  I do agree with you Feyisayo, I think people are more willing to hear rather than listen, and to talk to rather than with.
• +1

  A reply on Conversation: Do we have an opinion about everything? If not, should we?

  Apr 2 2013: hey Pabitra, thank you for your comment!
  
  With respect, how do you do that? How do you think of others?

• A reply on Conversation: Do we have an opinion about everything? If not, should we?

  Apr 2 2013: hey Greg! thanks for the contribution...
  
  Any idea what that reason may be?
• +2

  A reply on Conversation: Do we have an opinion about everything? If not, should we?

  Apr 2 2013: Hey Colleen and if I may, Hey Sean,
  
  I agree with you both. What we experience, etc helps shape our character which ultimately builds our morals and ethics in turn, giving us the ability to form opinions on topics. It is within this logic that I draw attention to the end of Colleen's first paragraph. "For me, it is important to be clear about the information that helps form the opinions". This I completely, whole heartedly, agree with. However, this can sometimes be the hardest thing to do as emotions can take over and sanity can leave mind as easy as a word can enter the ear.
  
  Also, Sean, I love that you highlight how people build opinions of others by judging the opinions we have shared. Very true!
  
  Thanks to you both

• A reply on Conversation: Do we have an opinion about everything? If not, should we?

  Apr 2 2013: Don, thank you.
  
  I am saddened to hear TED deletes your comments. I guess that would suggest that even if all of us do have opinions, some are perhaps not welcomed and/or even necessary, in the eyes of others. Ironically, this in itself is a catalyst for opinions!
  
  I can say that my needs are met by each post, and yours was a fine one indeed. If I may take you up on your last sentence and ask... where you "make a choice" is 1. where you decide to voice an opinion because you feel strongly about the topic, or 2. is it the choosing of the conversation because you discretely have an opinion on this topic?

• A reply on Conversation: Do we have an opinion about everything? If not, should we?

  Apr 2 2013: Thanks Scott... I agree with you.
  
  Would it be fair to say that you believe that everyone does not have opinions about all topics? Yet, it is wise to listen to those who do have an opinion where your own is absent?