Open or Closed-Minded?

The Difference Between Open-Minded and Closed-Minded People

• Open-minded people approach life with a willingness to learn and be wrong, while closed-minded people tend to ignore or gloss over anomalies.
• Anomalies are like a glitch in the matrix, and how you respond to them is a good indicator of your open-mindedness.
• Closed-minded people don't want their ideas challenged and put their ego ahead of the outcome, while open-minded people are more curious about why there is disagreement.
• Closed-minded people are more likely to make statements than ask questions, while open-minded people genuinely believe they could be wrong and ask questions to expand their knowledge.
• Closed-minded people focus more on being understood than on understanding others, while open-minded people feel compelled to see things through others' eyes.
• Closed-minded people often use phrases like "I could be wrong...but here's my opinion" as a perfunctory gesture, while open-minded people know when to make statements and when to ask questions.
• Closed-minded people tend to block others from speaking and don't want to hear anyone's voice but their own, while open-minded people are always more interested in listening than in speaking.
• Ray Dalio, self-made billionaire and founder of the largest hedge fund in the world, lays out seven other ways to tell the difference between open-minded and closed-minded people in his book Principles.
• Open-minded people find learning in everything and see disagreement as a thoughtful means to expand their knowledge.
• Closed-minded people put their ideas and beliefs ahead of the truth, while open-minded people are willing to change their minds when someone else knows something they don't.
• Closed-minded people tend to become frustrated when questioned and perceive those who seek clarification as hindrances to progress, while open-minded people identify where the disagreement lies so they can correct their misperceptions.
• An open-minded approach to life can lead to constant progress in both professional and personal lives, while a closed-minded approach can lead to repeating the same mistakes.