Did you know? Your Opinion Doesn’t Matter!
Neither does mine. Or anybody else’s for that matter.
Why is that?
Because everybody has an opinion. Some of which we agree with. But:
Most of which we don't! So...
By the end of this little thought play - will you still have an OPINION?
Quite simply:
Because you are secure, validated and respected. Sounds great. But how does someone become so noble? After all, I'm just one of 7 billion opinions on this planet...
Easy:
Do not have an OPINON! Throw it in the trash can, where it belongs! Instead:
Stand on a Position.
What's a Position then?
A Position is grounded upon a Point of View. A point of view is based upon facts and data, while most opinions are based on emotions and/or hear-say. Opinions change. That's why there are so many of them. More than people even! 😂 Positions don't change. Unless you can convince me with facts and data, I am not going to change my steadfast position.
Honestly, Who Do You Value More? 💰
A person who is swayed by moods, emotions and the need for approval? Or do you respect someone who stands up for what they think is right, even when others disagree?
Which then, do you think can be easily defended? ⚔
A position with substance?
Or an opinion, self-righteously conjured up and out of the moment?
Which can stand the test of time better?
It's our Position. But Why?
Because we have researched the subject. It's based on what we know - not what we feel. We have had conversations about it to seek advice from others without prejudice. We formed a conclusion that we can authoritatively defend.
Out of our based knowledge, we are able... No!... we cannot but stand firm. And what comes out of authoritative knowledge?
You guessed it:
Security, Validation, Respect.
What If You're Right and I am Wrong?
A classic. That's easy...
Let's compare our data & facts and validate. No room for feeble emotions. Prove me wrong - not with emotional arguments or invented facts. Regardless of your ideology, worldview or religion, we can reason together. - I allow it. Do you have information that I was not aware of before? Data that I missed, that led me to a wrong conclusion? And you? Can you do the same?
That's a 360 win!
If not, we may end up in a Stalemate... image source
What if there is a Stalemate?
Do you allow it, too?
The reasoning, I mean...
...the openess to change your view point because new data have come to light that challenge the conclusion you may have reached before?
It is one thing to lay out one's point of view and argue for it. It is another to hit a wall. If a disagreement becomes a yellin' and screamin' argument, what do then? 
Walk away - with a smile. 😄 Don't be resentful! Don't quarrel! Why try to reason with emotions or bad intent or childish petulance?
Self-control is needed. Do you have it? Do you have the strength to walk away smiling, graciously, knowing that the smarter person will not argue with opinionated foolishness?
One more important thing before closing:
...Hypocracy!
O' Woe to those who preach one thing and live the opposite. Hypocrates! Pretenders! Liars! All credibility - immediately lost. Their argument, even if it may be right - destroyed in an instant. How so?
One example is Christianity. I am a Bible believing Christian. So, my positions are based on God's views. Steadfast.
Sadly, many Christians forsake their God for the need of approval by people, some with opinions and some with different view points. What happens then...?
Not only do so many Christians discredit themselves, but also their belief system and that, which they claim to love: Namely God. Many do not come to Christ because of the behaviour of Christians.
Mahatma Gandhi was not a Christian yet he adored Christ! Why...?
― Mahatma Gandhi
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“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
Mahatma Gandhi in many ways acted more like Christ than those who profess to be Christian.
There are many more examples. The actors are parents, bosses, politicians. Even Friends. I definately don't have an opinion on anyone's behaviour or view. I stand on a Position.
What about you?
Do you wish your views to be accepted? Do you want to be respected? Do you want to be taken seriously?
What's your opinion?
Or are you going to take the time and think about your positions in life, positions you are going to live and defend?
Let Steemit know in the Comments below! ✏
Thanks for reading. 😎
