Wanting to listen

Is it significant in some fashion that I would much rather start a conversation just to see what is said after I fall silent? That my motivation is not so much to put my opinion out there but more to see what others have to say? Is it selfish or cowardly to plan ahead of time to not participate openly in a conversation I spur into motion? Does the feeling every rise that the world is better for it if I keep what I believe to myself when what I believe is constantly evolving with new information and thus can never be correct?

rugadd

rugadd wrote: Does the feeling every rise that the world is better for it if I keep what I believe to myself when what I believe is constantly evolving with new information and thus can never be correct?

rugadd

If you can never be correct but do not voice it how can you hope to be corrected?

I generally talk more than I listen which is a rather bad thing for me. :laugh:

I don't think there is anything really "wrong" with what you're talking about though.

Other people can have interesting things to say, or viewpoints that you haven't considered. Everyone out there has a lesson that you can learn from if you're merely able to look. I wouldn't call it selfish as such, but with your participation you could make and maintain a discussion that could exceed what it would be without you.

Often time I will not add a reply to a topic unless I feel I have something to add that may hold some significance to someone. And then there are times I will reply with the hopes it may spur further conversation.

There is nothing wrong with curiosity of the views and opinions of others and I would think that it would be one of the requirements of Jediism. None of us have all the answers and perhaps that is because there is no “set in stone” answer. What I believe today could change by tomorrow given that I am open to the possibilities.

And if we are always stating our views or defending our positions… how will we hear what else is being said?

All that being stated… how do you know that something you might offer would not spur another line of thought that had not been previously explored?

I think that you are a good person and a good Jedi; and that when the time comes… you will reply.