"مشکل داشتن ذهن باز این است که مردم اصرار دارند بیایند و چیزهایی را در آن قرار دهند"

Having an open mind is great—don’t get me wrong. It means you're willing to consider new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities. But there’s a catch. When your mind is open, people will try to fill it with their own ideas, often without asking if you're interested. This can be overwhelming and sometimes even misleading.

The quote captures a very real struggle. It was said by Terry Pratchett, a brilliant author known for his wit and humor. He had a knack for cutting through the nonsense and getting to the heart of human experience. This particular insight comes from his book “Diggers,” one of his lesser-known works but packed with his signature wisdom. Pratchett had a way of wrapping deep truths in humor, and that’s exactly what he did here.

Let’s think about a real-life example. Imagine you’re at a family gathering. You mention that you’re considering buying a new car. Suddenly, everyone—and I do mean everyone—has an opinion. Your cousin swears by electric cars, your uncle insists on a good old-fashioned truck, and your sibling won’t stop talking about the latest hybrid model. You started with an open mind, just trying to gather information, but now you’re drowning in unsolicited advice and opinions.

So, how do you manage this? First, be selective. You don't have to take every piece of advice to heart. Weigh the information based on its relevance and the credibility of the source. Your uncle might have good reasons to love his truck, but does that mean it’s the best choice for you? Probably not.

Second, set boundaries. It's okay to tell people you're not looking for advice right now. Your mind can be open without being a free-for-all. Sometimes, you just need space to process things on your own. Don’t be afraid to say, “I appreciate your input, but I need to think about this for a bit.”

Here’s a story that might resonate. Picture this: You're at a coffee shop, trying to decide whether to switch careers. You casually mention it to a friend, and before you know it, they’re bombarding you with advice. Go into tech, it’s the future! No, follow your passion and become an artist! You should go back to school first—get a new degree!

It’s tempting to absorb all this advice, but remember, it’s your life, not theirs. What works for someone else might not work for you. Take a deep breath and prioritize your own thoughts and feelings. Reflect on what aligns with your values and goals. It’s your journey, and you get to navigate it.

Ultimately, having an open mind is a balancing act. You want to be receptive, but not so much that you lose your own direction. It’s like hosting a party—you want to welcome guests, but you don’t want them taking over your house. Keep the door open, but don’t forget it’s still your space to manage.