Having an open mind is usually thought of as good. What exactly does it mean to have an open mind? First is being willing to listen to or read about beliefs, opinions and judgments that differ from those held. Next is the requirement to consider fairly, opposing logic and information provided by what you hear or read. Next is never being righteous about one’s position and using violence to enforce it. The next requirement is the hard part. That is to change your belief, opinion or judgment when the case presented is convincing.
The change is hard because you must first admit that you have been wrong about a position you hold on a subject. We don’t like to admit that we are wrong. It is especially hard when others are there to witness our admission of error. It then follows that an absence of witnesses helps to make the change.
On the other hand, changing before witness is easy when the witness is invested in causing your change. Are you showing a weak mind or have you shown enough ego to admit error? That is always a conumdrum. Thus reading or viewing alone provides a better chance for gaining wisdom.
Being labeled a fundamentalist is usually thought of as bad. A fundamentalist is one whose mind is closed on the subject at hand. A closed mind will not give a fair hearing to arguments against held beliefs, opinions and judgments. One can have strongly held positions on subjects without being a fundamentalist by being willing to listen to or read about opposing positions.
Having a weak mind is always bad. It is often claimed as an open mind. There are two types of weak minds. First is a mind unable to follow logic. Second is a mind unable to remember the logic and facts that led one to the position held. A weak mind can easily be led to take a position opposite to one held. People with weak minds often become fundamentalists to avoid inconsistency.
A dogmatist is like a fundamentalist but with more detailed knowledge about why one holds a position. Organized positions such as religions have dogma that define the beliefs of the church. A dogmatist can do a better job of defending a strongly held position but otherwise is equivalent to a fundamentalist.
Fundamentalists can be good or evil. Two examples demonstrate this fact. A Christen fundamentalists follows the golden rule, constrains behavior by the ten commandants, renders unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s while rendering unto God that which is God’s, and turns the other cheek. A Muslim fundamentalists advocates beating a non-obedient wife, wants Islam to conquer the earth, kills those conquered unless they convert to Islam or accept a second class existence, wants Islamic dogma to control government and kills those leaving or demeaning the religion.
Fundamentalist atheists won’t admit that their position is a belief and is also detrimental to turning children into civilized and responsible adults. Fundamentalists Marxists won’t admit that their position leads to evil. Fundamentalists Socialists won’t admit that their position is simply childlike wish fulfillment.
Wisdom is derived by applying logic to valid and relevant knowledge. The gaining of wisdom requires an open mind.