Question
Thank you for your previous responses on ‘Closing of one’s Mind and Heart’ & ‘Khatm al-Quloob’. Further queries, regarding the factors against the sate of one’s mind ie the factors against the state of one’s ‘Open Mindedness’, are as follows: i). What ALL factors adversely affect one’s ‘open mindedness’? ii). What factors that adversely affect one’s ‘open mindedness’ are CONTROLLABLE and HOW? In this, HOW can others help such a mind? iii). Do the genes also affect one’s state of ‘open mindedness’? For APPROPRIATE ‘open mindedness’, one’s systems of the intellect and the senses ALSO have to be APPROPRIATELY functional. One with deranged intellect, IN SPITE of APPROPRIATELY functional system of the other five senses (ie hear, see, smell, taste and touch) is perhaps ABSOLUTELY innocent. Such a person perhaps could refered to as an angelic. There could be many factors that adversely affect the APPROPRIATE functioning of one’s systems of the intellect and the senses. Could ANY specific abnormalities within one’s genes cause any such adverse factors? If so, WHAT are these adverse factors and then HOW can these adverse factors or the genetic abnormalities causing these adverse factors be possibly helped? iv). Are there ANY factors that adversely affect one’s ‘open mindedness’ WHERE no one else can help EXCEPT one’s own efforts? If there are such factors, what are they? WHAT must such a person then do to help one’s own self?
Thank you for your assistance.
May God bless you all, eternally. Amen.
Answer
Your questions should be addressed to a qualified psycho-analyst.. The issues raised in your question do not relate to religion, but are in fact, related to human psychology. Nevertheless, some observations from a layman’s perspective follow:
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No one in their human capacity may be able to answer what “all” the factors are that adversely affect one’s open mindedness. It can be a multitude of things that are relative to individuals. For instance a child born into a certain family, growing up in a certain atmosphere, educated in a certain way and on and on. Our entire development may have something to do with our open mindedness and then again it could be a momentary reaction to a particular incident. However, I refrain from attempting to either pinpoint or list all the factors as I don’t have the capacity to do so. I believe that it is very clear that the factors could be innumerable.
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Again, since we cannot precisely indicate what these factors are I would not be able to satisfy your question with a direct answer. Typically, though, what is controllable is the state of how we deal with things; how we think and develop our mental capabilities. Another, controllable factor is the education or knowledge we pursue. We can choose to gloss over information or allow ourselves to absorb it. Other people may be helpful but others may be detrimental to our growth. So it all depends on the choice of company we keep. The question that cannot be answered is that to what degree these “good” influences may help. To some people it’s only minor help to others it is may serve as a catalytic experience. Again, it all depends on the capacity of the person.
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I cannot delve into how genes affect our “open mindedness” as I am not qualified in that field. I will say however, that this question belongs in the category of “Nature vs. Nurture.” It is obvious that both affect us but as to how much I could not answer. Those with medical factors should be considered according to their capacity just as any healthy person is. I would not deem them angelic, yet I understand the point you are making. Again, all genetic questions cannot be answered by me. My understanding is that if there is debility due to genetics then there are possible medical or psychological remedies or at least some relief for some of these conditions.
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I would have to say that many factors would have to be worked out by the individual, barring any medical elements. I have covered some examples in the second answer. Typically, they have to do with education, temperament and personality these are things in which we may be able to develop. Developing them would mean that persons may need to educate themselves better. They may need to develop a sense of consciousness about themselves by being acutely aware and observant of themselves in various situations around various people. It is amazing what we can learn just by observing ourselves and how others act or react towards us. After the observation, one may correct any deficiencies (we all have them). This is a sort of self training in gathering information, accepting it, rejecting what is unhealthy and maintaining an awareness of self and that which is around ones self. An honest and healthy interaction is another pertinent element to open mindedness and to allow others to make mistakes without jumping on them. Seek to learn and try not to establish a mindset that you (i.e. anyone in general) have cornered the market on Truth or whatever subject for that matter. Little by little you will develop your own techniques. These were just some hints that may help out. Lastly, but most importantly, the maintaining a close relationship with the Almighty through prayer and adhering to His guidelines is a major step towards open mindedness.
I hope I have clarified the issue.
God knows best.