What is your opinion?

We are quite frequently asked “what is your opinion”? Before we delve into this further, let us consider the dictionary definitions of “opinion.” Here are some that will help to frame this discussion[1]:

a)     a thought or belief about something or someone

b)     a judgment about someone or something

c)     a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.

d)     the thoughts or beliefs that a group of people have

e)     a judgment made by an expert

For purposes of this article, let us focus on the first three definitions since they pertain to an individual’s opinion rather than a group’s or one expressed for business or legal purposes.

Now that we have definitions, we can return to the question “what is your opinion”? Of course, the answer will depend upon the context of the topic or the subject we are being asked about. Let us now assume that we have a clear understanding of what the questioner specifically is inquiring about. We may feel some pressure to provide an answer even if it is to say “I don’t have an opinion about that” which, while a reasonable response, may not be acceptable to the questioner.

Other responses include:

·       Telling the questioner what we think he wants to hear to appease him (even if we do not truly feel or believe that way).

·       Giving a flippant or sarcastic answer because we do not really have an answer or to avoid articulating an “unpopular” opinion.

·       Voicing an emotionally charged opinion intended to attack aggressively our perception of the questioner’s belief.

·       Providing a thoughtful statement that calmly, clearly, and concisely expresses our true opinion.

Obviously, there may be many other options for a response.

Whatever your opinion happens to be, a key consideration should be how your opinion was informed? Many people, or resources, can influence one’s opinion, including friends, family, strangers, educators, social and news media, history, or other sources of information.

As spiritual, human beings with free will, we know we are responsible for the consequences of our thoughts and words, as well as, our actions. So before expressing an opinion about something, or someone, we would be wise to seek answers within ourselves that are based on the truth found in the Laws of Creation. Listening to our intuition, which is connected with our spirit, not just our intellect, is vital in forming opinions. The law of reciprocal action means that whatever we think or say will return to us. Consider this carefully before you express an opinion that may be negative about something or slanderous about someone. Unless you have first-hand knowledge or expertise, you may be wise to leave that opinion unexpressed, lest you karmically burden your soul unnecessarily.

Conversely, if we seek someone else’s opinion, we must acknowledge our personal responsibility to investigate their response using our intuition as well as our intellect to distinguish among the Truth, Fact and Opinion. Failure to do so will lead to our sharing in any burdensome karma arising from  blithely accepting that opinion.

[1] From the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press and Dictionary.com.