"I think it’s better to have ideas. You can change an idea. Changing a belief is trickier"

Ideas are flexible. They can be adjusted and refined. Beliefs, on the other hand, tend to be more rigid and stubborn. This quote gets to the heart of the difference between ideas and beliefs. Ideas are like clay—moldable and adaptable. Beliefs are more like concrete—once set, they’re hard to shift. This concept highlights the importance of keeping an open mind and being willing to adapt our thinking as we encounter new information or perspectives.

Historically, this notion becomes especially relevant. Think about the Renaissance, a period when old beliefs about science, art, and human potential were questioned and new ideas flourished. Galileo, for example, had the idea that the Earth orbited the Sun, which was a huge shift from the long-held belief that the Earth was the center of the universe. Back then, challenging such ingrained beliefs was almost heretical, but it ultimately paved the way for modern astronomy.

Now, let’s dive into a real-life example to see this in action. Imagine you’re a software developer working on a new application. You have an idea that a certain feature should work in a particular way. As you test it, you realize it’s not quite right. So, you tweak it—change the code, adjust the interface, test again. Each time, you’re refining your idea based on new insights and feedback. If you were rigidly stuck to your original belief that your first version was perfect, you’d miss out on improving it.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Stay curious. When you encounter a problem or a new piece of information, don’t cling to your initial belief. Instead, treat it as an idea that can evolve. Ask yourself, “What if I looked at this from another angle?” or “How would this change if I incorporated new data?” This mindset can lead to more innovative solutions and personal growth.

Imagine you’re at a family dinner. Your uncle starts talking about a controversial topic—maybe climate change. Your initial belief might be to dismiss his views, especially if they don’t align with your own. But what if you approached this conversation with the mindset of exploring ideas instead? You could say, “That’s interesting. I’ve read that... What’s your take on this study?” By viewing the discussion as an exchange of ideas rather than a battleground of beliefs, you open the door to learning and possibly influencing your uncle’s perspective, too.

In essence, by treating our thoughts as ideas rather than rigid beliefs, we give ourselves the freedom to grow, adapt, and innovate. It can make us more receptive to others, more creative in problem-solving, and more resilient in the face of change. So next time you find yourself holding onto a belief, ask yourself—could this be an idea instead? And see where that flexibility takes you.