A couple of American OMG’s live in our neighborhood here in Paris. Every month or so, we’ll migrate to a cafe and share a coffee, huddling and communicating with the verbal shorthand and instant understanding that only fellow countrymen (and women) share.
As expatriates, this camaraderie is refreshing, as we are immersed in the French language and culture much of the time. The result is that we usually find a lot of fertile common ground for laughs, both at the expense of France and America, and for serious discussions about economics, politics, and culture.
The one mental note I made at our last sidewalk sit-down was the independent thinking by both of the people I visited with. Blind dogma and bumper sticker philosophy were nowhere to be found. Articulate, measured, and qualified opinions on current events were the order of the day. Disagreements were principled, not personal, and always prefaced by an understanding of the other person’s opinion.
Some positions that my companions had reached, either instantly or over time, were based on deliberate reflection, exhaustive research, and circumspect consideration. Other theories were bluntly shot down with a comment like, “To me, that idea just transcends common sense, so I don’t really buy it.” (Luckily for everyone present, we all agreed with the assessment–made by a candid Bostonian–so we could continue to sip our caffeinated beverages in relative harmony.)
Independent thinking is something that many Old Money Guys and Gals are frequently guilty of. The unpredictable comments can make for uncomfortable moments, and, trust me, some unforgettable memories. More often, what you get–and learn to enjoy– is the revelation: you can’t label this person. You can’t categorize them. They are relatively immune to the opinions of others. They don’t follow trends. They don’t run with the herd. They think for themselves and act accordingly.
They are often unambiguous and often completely original. And it mostly comes down to independent thinking. A respect for tradition? Sure, if it’s constructive. A respect for authority? Only if you earn it. The amount of tolerance they have for BS? You could get it in your eye and it wouldn’t hurt.
So challenge yourself to think for yourself. Be independent of the good opinion of others. Question the status quo. You’ll be glad you did.
- BGT
It can be hard to tell whether that’s a product of old money or a product of education.
Very true. Thanks, Amy. – BGT
That sounds like exactly the sort of conversation I love to be a part of. Clever and amusing banter is, to me, the most fun possible. It seems you have found your people there! And I have found mine here. Independent thinkers (especially outspoken ones) do not fit in everywhere, so it is such a warm feeling to feel understood. Thank you for your posts, Byron, you are a treasure. This internet thing is ok sometimes.
Thank you, Elle! I’m only half a treasure…the other half is the blog’s readers and contributors…like you. – BGT
Absolutely!
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out for himself ….”
H.L. Mencken
So true. thanks, OMGM. – BGT
The thought of unpredictable moments, of being confrontational, is fascinating since this is perceived so differently across cultures. The French tend to be confrontational and emotionally expressive, while Americans are believed to be more moderate on both levels. This surely makes for amusing experiences.
Vive la difference…oui? There certainly is a contrast. Hope you’re well, JL. – BGT
“The amount of tolerance they have for BS? You could get it in your eye and it wouldn’t hurt.”
What a great line.
Isn’t it? Thanks, Pia. – BGT
Certainly a good observation. It’s true, America has become the Wild West in the way of opinions. And it seems every demographic is guilty of it. We’re victim to news outlets and social media – if we allow it. Someone has an opinion and everyone jumps on board. I was raised to think for myself, form my own opinions, and not to worry what others are doing, saying. Something that doesn’t seem to be oft-taught in today’s family units.
Thanks, Holly. Yes, a little retreat from the news would help tremendously. – BGT