We live in a time when it can feel like everyone is expected to have an opinion on everything under the sun and to share it immediately. Whether the topic is politics, culture, someone else’s life, or the latest story making headlines, there always seems to be pressure to weigh in even when they know they shouldn’t.
Having the right to express an opinion also means having the choice to pause, listen, and decide whether you have something worthwhile to add or not. There is real value in recognizing when you lack a frame of reference, especially when other people have spent years or decades studying a subject or have firsthand experience that you don’t.
In this vlog, the first on ‘The Life and Times of Ben Weinberg’, I discuss why listening and learning can be more productive than feeling the need to comment on every issue or individual. I also reflect on how constantly reacting to the world around us can take time and energy away from the subjects we know best and the areas where our personal or professional experience can make a real contribution.
Being curious about something new is always worthwhile. We can ask questions, seek out knowledgeable perspectives, and develop a more informed view over time. Sometimes, saying “I don’t know enough about that yet” is the most honest place to begin.
Watch the video above with my thoughts, and let me know what you think: When have you found it more valuable to listen than to share your opinion? For more of my thoughts on this subject, read my blog article on the related topic of “Do You Have A Frame of Reference Here?”
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