When I come across people who have no doubt about something and combine that with a belief that ‘change’ is a sign of giving in, of weakness, I know I am in for a rough time in any conversation regarding opinions or beliefs.

Here is why. The person is not going to be listening to ideas for their own value but only as attacks to be repelled. They often will think that merely listening to an idea is tantamount to having to take it as their own. They don’t have the willingness to consider an idea because they don’t realize they can listen, evaluate and reject or accept.

Every idea is a threat because they do not actually have a well-defined strength of belief. The facade is so strong exactly because the inside is so vulnerable.

Drawing and commentary © Marty Coleman

“An obstinate man does not hold opinions, they hold him.” – Samuel Butler, 1835-1902, British Author