Generating opinions - a Primer

So, you've decided to form an opinion, eh? Good for you! Opinions provide multiple perspectives on any topic and sometimes even strengthen facts if discussed in an effective, unbiased atmosphere. However, in this day and age of anonymous internet, media controversy and aggravated individuals, opinions are very dangerous things to have at times.
This post is just what I think is the best way to go about expressing one's own opinion while disagreeing with others.

First of all, ensure that you fully understand all opposing opinions, in addition to your own. It's very important to know that not being familiar with opposite viewpoints means you're not all that familiar to your own. This is great knowledge to have, especially if this particular opinion has a direct impact on your way of living.

Secondly, remain open minded to ideas offered by other opinions. Just because others won't agree with you 100%, it doesn't mean there aren't some ideas worth taking on board.
For example, there are many religions on this planet. However, there are times when their ideologies share parallels, and there are times when just hearing their ideas make the opposing views of others all the more apparent.
The same can be said in relation to religions and secular communities. Atheists may not live as the religious do, but altruistic values can be shared by many people.

Third, be constantly aware of hypocrisy! This is very tricky, as sometimes we act inconsistently without being aware of it. People that are very vocal about their views often find themselves being pointed out as hypocrites and it's just embarrassing. However, if you ever find yourself caught in the act, be humble and accept the criticism and learn from it.

And my final point: Don't be quick to judge a person based on their opinion. One person's belief and actions are not necessarily representative of every person on the planet that has that same belief. This misinformation can cause frustration, which may end up causing you to become flustered when expressing your side of a debate, reducing you to a misrepresentation of your own view...whether you realize it or not.

Human's are an incredibly diverse bunch, and hearing what we all have to say on any particular subject is a perfect way of experiencing that diversity. We should appreciate this diversity as much as we can, while at the same time enriching our own lives with an increase of perspective.