I can't form my own opinions. I don't know what I think.
- Erica Ndanou
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
Recently, I read a legal case about medical treatment and how much the courts can intervene with it (particularly when children are involved). Objectively, I understood the facts, their reasoning, etc. However, when it came to writing my own commentary on the case, I had no idea what I thought.
Well, it's either that I:
don't know what I think
know what I think, but don't know how to say it or why I think it
a mixture of both
At first, I thought that I was at option A, but now I'm starting to think I'm at option B. I think deep down I have formed an opinion, but because I don't really know why I have that opinion, I don't feel secure in that opinion, therefore, leading me to think that I don't have an opinion at all.
Also, I think social media has made me scared of my opinions. Even if I don't display my opinions publicly, I feel like I'm being judged for it. This is probably due to cancel culture or whatever, but it seems that once you form an opinion on something, you're not allowed to change it, even if you recognise that you were wrong; change is not allowed to happen.
For that reason, I would rather form no opinion at all, or form the perfect opinion the first time, than form an opinion, realise I was wrong (maybe even hurt a couple of people because of this opinion), and not be allowed to change.
In regard to law, I know that the opinions and decisions I make will have a great impact on many lives. So, I always strive to make the 'correct' and most 'intellectual' answer. My inability to form my own opinions and be confident with my opinion will be a huge shortfall in my legal career (at least that's what I believe)
So, within the next couple of weeks, months & years, I want to form conscious opinions on things. As silly as it sounds, I think I'll need to read a couple of articles on how to form an opinion or how to understand my own opinion.
How I plan to rebuild my thoughts/opinions
Read a lot: Not just non-fiction books. Annotate too
Look at multiple perspectives: The media is rarely impartial. I will try to see the writer's perspective, then find any alternative perspectives.
Be honest about myself: I have my own biases, and this will impact how to interpret someone else's perspective
Debate with others: Doesn't have to be serious topics. Can be something as little as a TV show
My opinion doesn't have to be strong: Sometimes a weak opinion makes it easier to see multiple sides of the argument. However, don't let my opinion be weak simply because I don't want to please others. I will not hide myself for others.
Experience: A lot of opinions come from experience. This can't be taught and will only come from living my life.
Consume opinionated content less: Sometimes, video essays and subreddits only make me see things in a certain way. It may be better to form my own opinion first, before being shown what others think and being conformed to their way of thinking.
I guess I'll also need to get over my need to have the 'perfect' opinion. I won't please everyone, so I think I just need to be true to my morals & beliefs (whatever they may be), and understand that multiple beliefs can be true.
-B.L
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