Whenever I listen to a political debate, or a radio talk show, I find that there is usually an emphasis on the contrast of what a candidate's position was several years ago and what is now. This is followed up by rhetoric about how this person cannot be trusted or there is no way that on past example that this person will have the same stand or opinion tomorrow that he has today. In other words, changing one's mind or position on a subject is often politically dangerous.
The question that I think must be answered is what influences the change of mind.
There are two main reasons that I can think of for this to happen.
The first is the acquiring of new information. This has the ability to enlighten one to either change to a more relevant position or do some task better and more efficiently. If one is normally reluctant to change, he might even disregard the new information. One might also find that the new information is flawed and this could influence him to continue his previous views even more fervently.
The second reason that comes to my mind is that sometimes one changes his mind because he thinks that can gain either popularity or status with a desired group of people. Examples might be his boss, wife, or a voter base. That means that what ever the desires or whims of those around him are, so will his opinions follow.
He will change from day to day , as he feels the advantage of doing so, his only goal being to forward his career, or desires of the moment.
Although some feel that change is important, much more is why the change is necessary, what the thinking was to lead up to the change, and what benefits and penalties will come from the change.
These two reasons for change come from very different places. The first comes from the inside of the decider after looking at the facts and making a decision. This decision is the sum total of all the experiences of his or her lifetime.
The second comes from outside and is concerned only with the most that he or she can get by pleasing other people.
Change for change sake is never a good thing for even though things look bad at the present, change without thought can make things worse instead of better. Even the most careful planning and examination does not guarantee that things will improve after change has taken place. It only helps the chances.
My father once told me that when thinking about change, one of the bravest and most profound things that one can do if you do not feel good about a change is to elect to do nothing.
Next time you hear some one speak about change, ask yourself what they really want. Maybe we will need a change, but it might be the change they propose, or a different change, or even none at all.
Changing One's Mind - Mike's Photo and Thoughts Website
