types? Do you think we need more testimonials to strong, unchanging
values? Just give your opinion, but be sure it back it up with some kind
of support -- a good reason, a rich example, etc.I think the best way to view the world is a mix of fixed and pliant point of view. One should not be so fixed that he or she cannot consider other points of views to develop a nuanced view of the situation. On the other hand, being too pliant is also not helpful because one cannot make a conclusive decision and may be gullible to most arguments that sound convincing. Ultimately, the ideal is to have core beliefs but be open to other evidence and viewpoints to further develop these beliefs.
I knew someone at my high school who was quite dogmatic and prejudiced, particularly as far as colleges were concerned. He came from a privileged family and would talk poorly about local state schools, not able to see how they were affordable for many.I also knew someone who would flip viewpoints quite a lot. Some of this had to do with her shifting and developing religious views, as she decided to attend church and then switched churches. Both of these people could be irritating at times and difficult to have thoughtful conversations with.
I think it is difficult to change those with strong beliefs, and it can often be fruitless to argue with them reasonably if they are so resistant to change. Ultimately, they will not consider other viewpoints until they want to. My brother, for instance, will insist before he tries new foods that he does not like it and, if we convince him to take a bite, he will proclaim the same thing. It's a bias that can only be changed if he is open-minded, but he's only been that way on his own (such as wanting to try a taco several years ago). Our arguments only enforce his desire to be stay in his mindset.
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