As I was checking around for a place to get some components, I learned there is a hackerspace in my city. I went to check it out, and subsequently had the the most awesome revelation ever. The place itself is a geek mecca. equipment ranging from soldering irons to 3D printers, and tons (literally) of components to build about anything. What I was elated about was the community. This community of makers and hackers have a mindset similar to my own, they're open minded, full of ideas, have a love of learning, and have no concern for superficial things. They're more intelligent than myself and happy to share their knowledge.
Usually, I find conversations with most people to be incredibly boring and superficial. I know this sounds condescending, maybe I just suck at small talk. So many people seem to view life as if they're just pawns on a chessboard, if something gets too tough they decide they're not supposed to do it, they're resistant to change and trying and learning new things, they're afraid to dream.
The makers and hackers here aren't afraid to dream, "because I can", is reason enough to built a robot zombie laser game. I'm ecstatic about finally finding a community that doesn't know the meaning of impossible.
I find interesting two of the things that you like about this community--they are open minded and yet they have many of the same opinions and ideas that you do--the same "mindset."
ReplyDeleteI find that when I spend most of my time with people that think and believe what I do or reading only things that I agree with or that will support my way of life, that I find myself becoming close minded and intolerant of other people. (Albeit that these people themselves may be close minded and tolerant.)
I find myself thinking, "How could they possibly say/think/do that?" I find it harder and harder to understand their viewpoints and stretch my mind; in fact, I grow resistant to any thing new that could change my mindset.
Remember, the unexamined life is not worth living; we must ask questions of ourselves and seriously look for the answers. So don't grow too comfortable in a community where no one will question your beliefs. Also, I think we have the same glasses. The End.
@e.a.s: Perhaps you misunderstand what I'm referring to when I talk about mindset. I'm not talking about specific personal beliefs or opinions, I'm referring to the way in which one sees and interacts with the world.
ReplyDeleteThe ideal attitude is one of continual self improvement, a willingness to help others, a decision to focus on the positive, an ability to acknowledge personal faults.
The people come from a diverse background, about half of them are religious. There are conversations on a vast number of topics, there are topics that typical folks would go into an enraged fit over.
The fact that ones judgement can be influenced by peers has merit, but It's certainly more so amongst certain groups than others. The fact is, people here are free to express their viewpoints without an emotionally fueled backlash.
We are not scared of the unknown.