“Loyalty to petrified opinions never yet broke a chain or freed a human
soul.”
I chose this quotation to write
about because I feel like it is still relevant today. People often accept ideas without ever
stopping to question them. Change is
what freed the slaves, gave women the right to vote, and got rid of segregated
schools and restaurants. If no one ever
questioned the generally accepted ideas of their time, none of these changes
would have taken place. I try to
constantly ask myself why I believe what I believe, and how those beliefs could
potentially affect others. I encourage
those around me to do the same. There’s
nothing wrong with questioning what you believe. It’s often one of the most effective ways of
strengthening your beliefs. And if your beliefs
change as a result of this questioning, maybe it’s because they needed to change. Maybe it’s for the better. Politics, religion, social values…Do you know
why you believe what you believe?
I like what you said about this quote. It's very true that change cannot happen without questioning our beliefs or opinions. But what really stuck out to me was your last sentence. Lately, I've been trying to learn more about my Catholic faith, so I know why I believe what I believe. I can question my faith, and it can be strengthened because of it, or I can change some of my beliefs.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I really enjoyed your perspective on this quote. I think that since college is when we are all becoming "adults" and more independent this is an important time to really look into your beliefs and values. I also agree with what Paige mentioned about this process strengthening your beliefs in some situations. It is really important to be self-critical or analytical in order to grow in these areas. Your references to historical events really put this quote into a more meaningful light for me, I think that little wisdoms like these to specific examples makes them a lot more meaningful and relatable. Great quote choice!
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteI think your quote choice is extremely relevant. We always look at what's already been done and say that we've done everything possible - it's easy to become complacent in the way things are. Your challenge to examine our own beliefs is a tough, yet appropriate one. We are in an intense time of change by being in college! A lot of what defines who we are is what we believe, which often reflects our values. You (and Mark Twain) have definitely given me something to think about!
Madeline
I really liked this quote as well, Michelle. I actually thought about blogging about this, but it seems that you beat me to the punch. One reason why I like this quote so much is because I find it to be shockingly true and shockingly insightful. Your ideas about change are very relevant, and I think that it is very interesting that even during the times of slavery and heavy racism Mark Twain still had such wisdom. Great choice and good discussion of change and beliefs!
ReplyDelete