Do you investigate new subjects or just believe everything you hear or read?
By debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
United States
July 3, 2009 9:35am CST
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all argument, and which cannot fail to keep man in everlasing ignorance. That principle is condemnation before investigation." Edmund Spencer
Do you research topics of interest once you have read or heard an opinion on them? Or do you take for granted what you are hearing or reading is the truth? How do you discern what is true information and what is not? Do you investigate subjects further even after making up your mind? How about subjects that don't interest you, do you read up on them? Are able to be open minded and perhaps even change your mind about issues after investigating them?
1 person likes this
13 responses
@meliora (54)
• United States
3 Jul 09
I generally don't make up my mind about an issue or fact until I feel sure about its veracity, and only then do I make an opinion. Generally speaking, if I hear or read something new in conversation or in passing, I don't take it into full consideration unless it's something that I've heard or read at least twice before. I've changed my mind on many things that I'd held to be true due to the introduction of new information or the re-evalluation of my stance.
I do know that many people do not change their minds. Studies have shown a pathological resistance toward doing so in many, actually. Kinda sad, really.
1 person likes this
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
3 Jul 09
Sadly, I believe you are right on this. I have observed a reluctance to change opinions and beliefs based on such silly things as ....this is the way my parents did it & even...it's just to much work to find out about a different way to think or do.
Are we just creatures of habit...or do you think there is a reason other than habit, for this?
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
4 Jul 09
In my family I grew up debating. If I said...'you know' at the end of a sentence one of the adults would say...no, I don't know..you're in the process of telling me. We were sorta trained to be able to give an account of WHY we did or said something. I guess you would call it 'thinking' not just 'talking'.
Here on mylot...I've had people get offended cause I did not automatically agree with them...and I was sorry. But it is not my training to automatically agree...but to debate and wait to be convinced. lol If I am not convinced...I do not look down on someone...but would like to hear more. Does that make sense?
@meliora (54)
• United States
3 Jul 09
I believe that it's something pathilogical, or that's at least the impression I get from the studies I've heard of, however, it's not set in stone. I do know that not all are unable to change their minds. i suppose that stating it to be a form of "habit" could be a fair description.
@entrepinoy (709)
• Philippines
4 Jul 09
I always research or investigate on topics that interests me especially when it comes to technology news. I am really into reading latest business and technology news. As for other things that does not interest at all, I try to check all information about it and sometimes help me have a better view of the topic.
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@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
4 Jul 09
Have you found new interest by investigating topics for MyLot?
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
3 Jul 09
I try to verify everything that I read.
Reagan said it best when he said"Trust but Verify" with emphasis on verify.
If the subject does not interest me, then I don't bother with it, because if it doesn't interest me it is not worth my time.
My main interest is politics and keeping America free from socialism and tyranny... which these days keeps me very occupied considering the socialists in office at present.
1 person likes this
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
3 Jul 09
Hi Destiny007...thanks for responding.
You know...I have stumbled upon things that connect different subjects, things you wouldn't think would have something to do one with the other. I also will force myself to read through something just because it is good info to have on hand. I feel that any knowledge, if it is reliable, is good to have.
Reagan was and is one of my favorite sources of quotes. I read through some of his speeches recently. America should have listened closer to this man.
@tundeemma (894)
• South Africa
3 Jul 09
i don't listen to everything i hear i only filter whatever comes and i respond to those which i think i can benefit from, i like to listen to corrective criticism and not destructive criticism, this is why i hate people who always want to show that they know everything but at the end of it all they mess up big time
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@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
4 Jul 09
I hate when that happens. That is why I've learned to read and read somemore...I read about things I disagree with...just in case I missed something.
@KawaiiInu (143)
• Uruguay
4 Jul 09
That depend on what subject.
If I hear/read something that I think is rubbish I investigate it but if I hear/read something what makes sense and if they include a source, than, no, i generly belive those subject.
But if it is aboutsomething I KNOW and if I'm 100% sure that that what I hear/read is not be true, even if ther quote sources , I prefer to do some research.
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@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
4 Jul 09
I like what you said...'if it makes sense' ....I am like that too. If I am challenged on it, I will go research it more. I like a challenge! Don't you?
@Nyankeeman (48)
• United States
4 Jul 09
Sadly i believe what i hear. I am VERY Gullable.
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@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
4 Jul 09
Perhaps you just want to believe the best of people. lol I am naive in some ways...I take for granted everyone loves to learn and loves to debate things...like I do. Have to give up on that opipion lately. I also am naive in that I give everyone at least three chances before I write them off...;)
thanks for stopping by Nyankeeman. :)
@ShirleyBillingsley (1544)
• United States
4 Jul 09
I think that i am a pretty open minded. If i hear something, i usually ask around, or do some research, to find out more. Then i make my decision based on what i find out.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
5 Jul 09
Sounds open minded to me...just be careful of your sources.
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
3 Jul 09
Hi, Debrak!
To accept ideas without investigation seems to be just plain ridiculous! While I might believe something someone tells me because I trust and admire that person, I still do whatever checking I can. Slipping up on checking things could make information passed along to be wrong or even harmful. Just this week, a friend became upset because I passed along some information I'd gotten from an attorney friend, and it turned out that it was a hoax. I'd asked my friend before I passed it along whether she checked it out with Snopes or in any other way, and she assured me she had. Sol much for trust in that way -- I'll do my own checking!
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
3 Jul 09
Trust is an issue with me too. Like I said above...I have been guilty of passing on bogus info too. But I do try to better research things now. The trust comes into play as I don't necessarily trust sites like snopes...I was told that that site is run by a husband and wife team...and often they just repost what other sites claim as truth....how reliable is that? I have to know WHY a thing is true or not true to fully trust what I am reading. I look for details that most do not think important in determining what to accept as true.
Thanks for responding cobrateacher...how ya been?
1 person likes this
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
3 Jul 09
I didn't know that about Snopes. Now I'll have to check them out, too!
Surgery's done, and I got home from the hospital yesterday. Now I can only stay awake for a little while at a time, because of all the meds, but at least I'm on my way to well! Thanks,
Joanne
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
3 Jul 09
Whoa...didn't know about your health..surgery? Well, I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery.
@tjades (3591)
• Jamaica
4 Jul 09
I do not always have the time to investigate the ligitamacy of the subjects/topics which capture my interest.
Here on mylot for example if I am not well informed on a discussion topic which interest me, I read what others have to say. I'll give my opinion on a topic and I am always definately open to changing my view if it was wrong or misinformed.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
4 Jul 09
YOU sound like someone I'd like to debate with..:) Here on mylot...so many want to say their opinion and have everyone agree. They get offended if they're approached with something that opposes what they're saying. When someone disagrees with me...I am not offended. I enjoy hearing reasons they have but often they leave the discussion when you disagee. Sounds like you have the same way of thinking on this as I do.
@pixeltwistr (613)
• United States
9 Jul 09
I always investigate EVERYTHING and especially if i plan to post about it somewhere....nothing i hate worse than posting something and then finding out it was all wrong the hard way...lol....
But i am just that kind of person anyway...if i am reading or watching tv and i hear something interesting i will research everything i can about it.....it takes up a lot of time...lol
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
9 Jul 09
I have learned the hard way...lol.
I am the type of person who will read and read as well...and you are so right, it takes up a lot of time. But I feel it is time well spent and more people should put down their ipods and turn off the soap opera's and sit coms and do it.
@Archie0 (5636)
•
3 Jul 09
Yes i do study a lot on the topics which intrest me.I also sometimes just believe what i hear, not always i do it but sometimes i do just hear to people and dont go back on its deep study, and many time i also do a lot of study before accepting what others say on it,so basically i go with both and then also it depends on my mood as such.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
3 Jul 09
I have been guilty of passing on info that was not correct....that is why I try very hard to investigate and research things now.
I am weird...I find interesting, things that most people find boring. I have always been a reader and once read through a entire set of encyclopedias as a kid. I have been guilty of passing info that was not correct....but when a subject interests me I will read all I can find on it...even the side I don't initially agree with. Do your read up on the opposing opinions?
Yes, sometimes my mood affects this search for information...I get tired of some searches quicker than others.
Thanks for responding!
@char06 (106)
• Philippines
5 Jul 09
Yes, If I curious and interest in the subject. I want to learn on that through reading or surfing net. I listen also to those people who are have a experience in the subject and I didn't want to close my mind to them because it is part of learning that I can prepare myself on their negative or positive experience. And I confirm it also to other person.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
5 Jul 09
Sounds like you are well on a path to gaining much knowledge. Checking not just once but even twice or three times is a good habit to get into. Happy surfing...and researching! Bring us some deep and rewarding discussions!
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
4 Jul 09
How do you know what to believe without researching it first?
I grew up in the Catholic church. When I was about 13 I read through the Bible. Right away I had questions about what I had been taught. Went and asked the priest and he told me NOT to be reading the Bible (cause it made me ask questions?)...since then I have read through it at least ten times...and have studied the meanings of it's words in the original languages. I think if he'd not told me to stop reading it...I'd have not been so determined to find out exactly what was in there. lol
