Open to Changing Your Mind

In Season 5, episode 2 of Downton Abbey (IYKYK), Carson and Mrs Hughes face a disagreement. 

He and she are on different sides of an issue he feels strongly about, and he’s uncomfortable. He doesn’t like it when they’re not on the same side. 

But also, he’s convicted. He believes he’s right. She’s wrong. He can’t simply go along to get along. He’s too principled for that. 

However, he remains open. He admits that he’s willing to be convinced. All he needs is someone to convince him. 

And eventually, a simple conversation does the trick. He’s been convinced. 

That’s what we need more of. More openness without tossing our principles to the wind. 

Open to new data, new arguments, new feelings. Open to changing needs, changing perspectives, and changing culture. Open to changing one’s mind. Open to being convinced. 

Open.

Changing your mind isn’t a weakness. It doesn’t mean you don’t have principles. 

Openness is the bridge between conviction and wisdom. Without it, all you have is stubbornness.