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Seth Godin writes in his blog a very interesting article that revolves around the way that people make decisions and form opinions.  He states that people make decisions by processing the data that they have at hand, combined with their existing worldview on things.  He continues by stating that if people make bad decisions, it isn’t because they’re “stupid”, it’s because of a lack of data or an uninformed worldview.

I happen to agree with Mr. Godin (this guy has this certain knack of explaining his ideas so clearly and fluidly – no wonder he’s widely considered a top marketing expert).  In any case, I agree with this article and I think that (though subtly) – screams the fact that there is a need for a change in the way that we consume data – or at least a more efficient process of doing so.

So if we can accomplish the goal of diversifying our data, be it media or whatever, is it very easy for us then to change around our worldview?  Godin in his article states that it is not, though not attempting to at least consider the views of other opinions “sells short” your peers and society.

It is my humble opinion that open-mindedness is a key to progress, both as individuals and as a society.  Having a closed off worldview on certain ideas and issues, though being difficult to overcome, is potentially selling your peers and colleagues short on their personal progress.  Sure it’s fine to have particular views on certain issues – I just think we all need to try to do a better job listening to the views of others and thinking about where they’re coming from before we rush to judge.  Too much of the time, we stand to lose more by not considering other opinions and data that might not immediately appeal to our worldview – and rather just write off this data because we don’t agree.

While it’s fine to have opinions, a way we push ourselves to grow is to diversify what we intellectually consume and form our judgements after hearing as much data as possible.  Why do people say that “hindsight is 20/20″?  Because it gives us more time to consume the data pivotal to making the decision in the first place.  However if we keep our minds open to alternative opinions in the present, our decisions can become that much clearer.

Here’s little video of Godin at the TED conference.  Much of his talk revolves around content in his popular book “The Purple Cow“.