It has been multiple decades—in fact, most of our adult lives—that neither Terri nor I have consumed meat or fish.
To many Americans we encounter we are an anomaly, a curiosity to be poked and prodded to see if we are real. We both giggle when we get that knowing wink of disbelief from a food server who figures we just say such outlandish things to be in vogue.
In their experience, one cannot live without meat. To them, we are either lying, delusional or that rare once-in-a-lifetime curiosity.
But this rant is not about being a healthy vegetarian or how a plant-based diet helps the planet. It’s about preconceived notions.
It’s about being convinced without listening to how digital versus analog sounds. Vacuum tubes versus solid state stereo equipment. Horns versus boxes. Measurements versus subjective. DSD versus PCM.
To some degree, we all fall into the same trap. We enter a new situation with a prediction of the outcome.
It’s just the way we’re wired.
One of the great joys of age is the freedom to let go of some of my preconceptions.
I no longer feel the need to protect and defend many of my long-held beliefs.
Lowering one’s expectations to the point of openness to new input is the quickest means I know of to advance and learn.
As you get older are you leaning towards becoming more set in your ways or less?
Opening up or closing down?
It’s something to consider.
