Something to think about
We often treat ideas like viruses: dangerous, infectious, something to avoid unless we already agree with them.
But Aristotle had a different view.
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. – Aristotle
An educated mind, in other words, doesn’t need to run from uncomfortable ideas, nor rush to embrace them.
It can hold them, examine them, turn them over without swallowing them whole.
That’s what mental immunity looks like.
Not fear. Not cynicism. But strength.
The strength to listen without flinching. To think, not just react.
To say: “Hmm. Interesting…” instead of “Outrageous!” or “Obviously true!”
In an age of tribal hashtags and emotional clickbait, this isn’t easy.
But it’s a skill — and like any skill, it can be practised.
Something to try
This week, when you encounter an opinion that triggers you — in the news, online, or in conversation — pause and ask:
Can I entertain this thought… without accepting it?
Don’t reject it. Don’t embrace it. Just hold it for a moment. Let your mind stretch.
Something to read
A recent post you might enjoy:
Thinklier
Found this helpful?
Forward it to a friend — or share the archive: thinklier.com/thinking-thursday
See you next Thursday.
— The Thinklier team