So open-minded… we are, aren’t we?

“I’m totally open to everything!”

You’ve probably heard this sentence a few times or even said it yourself. Regardless of the topic, the self-attribution of being “open-minded” comes quickly to mind. But what happens when we are really confronted with something that challenges our beliefs, our comfort zone, or our worldview? Or when we encounter a quality of life that we don’t understand – and perhaps don’t even want to understand? This is where the desire to be open-minded separates us from the reality of actually being open-minded. Are we as open-minded as we think? Or do we just like the idea of it? In this article, we take a closer look: what does it mean and how can we foster it?

During my semester abroad, I have also experienced situations in which I felt my open-mindedness was particularly noticeable. Because the one conversation you can’t avoid is the one where you suddenly find yourself talking about cultural differences with your international friends. Everyone brings their own perspective to the table and you realize how enriching it can be to always be open to other points of view. But what does it actually mean to be “open-minded”? And how open are we really to new things? I became more aware of this topic during my semester abroad, but it also plays a big and important role throughout my studies and I’m going to go out on a limb and say it even plays a role in our entire lives.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, open-mindedness is described as follows: “the quality of being willing to consider ideas and opinions that are new or different to your own.” So it means being willing to consider new arguments and information with an open mind, but also to question your own beliefs and seriously consider alternative points of view. Why this quality is not only important for cultural exchange but it is crucial for critical and rational thinking. True openness requires more than simply claiming to be open-minded. But how do you become aware of this or can you foster it?:

Firstly, you should consciously take time to better understand and accept others, so active listening and empathy are an important part of this. Questioning your own opinion can be approached by viewing it as a hypothesis that can still be checked and adjusted. But leaving your comfort zone can also greatly promote openness, because new experiences such as trying out unfamiliar activities and getting to know other cultures not only expand your horizons but also your open-mindedness. But also your mindfulness for self-reflection helps to recognize and question prejudiced reactions. Nobody is perfect and everyone is sometimes prejudiced in their own opinion, but it is precisely in these moments that it is so important to reflect on your behavior.

It is easy to see ourselves as open-minded, but in practice, it can be challenging to recognize our prejudices. It manifests itself in our behavior, our willingness to self-reflect, and our approach to other opinions. By regularly questioning ourselves and mindfully adopting new perspectives, we can strengthen our open-mindedness and contribute to a more inclusive society.

I very much hope that this article can inspire you to think about and reflect on your own open-mindedness. See you in the next chapter of my „Study Abroad Diary“ and greetings from Oslo!