Thoughts
Your freedom is limited to your points of view
First published: 18 February 2011
You can measure the depth of your understanding – and to say it bluntly, your intelligence – by the number of points of view you apply when you consider something or someone[1].
The multiplication of your points of view which you are able to hold in your mind is a powerful lever of freedom.
Using just one dimension makes man as discerning as an ass. “People who only see one side of things engage in quarrels and disputes” exclaims the Buddha[2].
The unexamined habit is to adopt a point of view and hold firm to it. To become aware of why we came to our slant and to examine multiple points of view – ours and others’ - frees us from such a narrow, unique angle; the more standpoints we conceive, the more we grow able to understand and to dialogue; our action choices increase too.
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The good news is that adopting more than one point of view is something we can learn. We can become aware of our point of view, understand that it is just that - a point of view to examine - observe other people's position and understand multiple views of that which first appeared one-way. This awareness does not prevent us to take clear decisions.
How then do you discover what is your point of view?
By asking yourself. Care to reflect for a moment. Ask someone you trust to describe to you what your point of view seems to be, compared with other possible ones.
And other people’s points of view?
Nothing special is needed, just observe, listen and give at least a thought to what other positions are possible.
Stop practicing that truth is one, that right opinion is one and they are all yours.
______________________________________________________ [1]See research on this subject called “semantic differential”. The good news is that you can educate yourself to consider more points of view and so, grow more intelligent. [2]"Tittha Sutta: Various Sectarians (1)" (Ud 6.4), translated from the Pali by John D. Ireland. Access to Insight, June 14, 2010, http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/ud/ud.6.04.irel.html.