Why You Should Stop Caring About Other People’s Opinions

We live in a world where everyone has an opinion. And thanks to the internet, everyone can share their opinion with anyone who will listen. Or even if they won’t.

But here’s the thing: these opinions and facts aren’t changing minds. No matter how much you argue, debate, or rant, you won’t convince anyone to see things your way. You’re more likely to make them dig their heels deeper into their own beliefs.

So why do we bother? Why do we waste our time and energy on other people’s opinions when they don’t matter?

Well, one reason is that we think that all opinions are equal. Everyone has a right to opinion, and we should respect and consider all viewpoints. Every perspective has some truth, and we can learn something from everyone.

All opinions ain’t created equal.

Here is a fact: some opinions are based on facts, evidence, logic, and reason; some opinions are based on emotions, biases, prejudices, and ignorance; some opinions are informed by expertise, experience, and knowledge.

In other words, all opinions should not be treated equally.

Some opinions deserve more attention, respect, and weight than others. Some opinions are more relevant, useful, and valuable than others. Some opinions are more constructive, helpful, and positive than others.

But how do we tell the difference?

How do we know which opinions to listen to and ignore?

How do we know which opinions to value and which ones to discard?

Well, one way is to use critical thinking. Critical thinking is analyzing, evaluating, and questioning information and arguments. It’s the ability to think for yourself and form your judgments. It’s distinguishing between facts and opinions and between good and bad arguments.

But here’s the thing: critical thinking is hard. It takes time, effort, and practice. It requires curiosity, openness, and humility. It challenges our assumptions, beliefs, and biases. It exposes our ignorance, errors, and flaws.

Unfortunately, most people don’t use critical thinking. Most people prefer to rely on intuition, gut feelings, and emotions. Most people prefer to follow the crowd, conform to the norms, and obey the authorities. Most people prefer to stick to their comfort zones, avoid conflicts, and seek validation.

BUT

Intuitions can be wrong…

Emotions can be misleading…

Crowds can be irrational…

Norms can be outdated…

Authorities can be corrupt…

Comfort zones can be limiting…

Conflicts can be productive…

Validation can be superficial…

So what do we do? How do we deal with other people’s opinions when they are not based on critical thinking? How do we respond when facts, evidence, logic, or reason do not support them?

Well, one option is to ignore them. To tune them out and focus on our own opinions. To avoid engaging with them and let them be.

BUT

Ignoring other people’s opinions can be dangerous. It can make us miss important information, perspectives, and feedback. It can make us unaware of our blind spots, weaknesses, and mistakes. It can make us isolated, arrogant, and intolerant.

So what do we do? How do we deal with other people’s opinions when they are not based on critical thinking? How do we respond when they are not supported by facts, evidence, logic or reason?

Well, another option is to challenge them. To question their sources, assumptions, and motives. To point out their fallacies, inconsistencies, and contradictions. To present our arguments, counterexamples, and alternatives.

BUT

Challenging other people’s opinions can be futile. It can make them defensive, hostile, and aggressive. It can make them resistant, stubborn, and irrational. It can make them dismissive, condescending, and insulting.

So what do we do? How do we deal with other people’s opinions when they are not based on critical thinking? How do we respond when facts, evidence, logic, or reason do not support them?

Well, another option is to accept them. To acknowledge that they have a right to their opinion, even if we disagree. Respect that they have a different perspective, even if we don’t understand it. To appreciate that they have a unique experience, even if we don’t relate.

BUT

Accepting other people’s opinions does not mean agreeing with them. It does not mean endorsing, adopting, or compromising with them. It does not mean giving up our own opinions, values, or principles.

It simply means recognizing that it’s still just AN OPINION until it’s proven to be otherwise.

In other words,

**OPINIONS are not FACTS