"Wobblies" wobble, but they don't fall down

I have taken to listening to NPR's Morning Edition again on my 10-minute commute to work because I cannot stand the nonsensical drivel that is broadcast on most other radio morning shows. And, as counter-intuitive as this may sound, it leaves me wishing I had a longer commute in the morning—though I suspect that wishing that the network admin wouldn't get totally pissed off at me for streaming the show on my computer might be a little more practical—but that's another topic.

Back on track. Every Monday, Morning Edition has been running a segment called "This I Believe," based on a 1950s radio show of the same name. From the NPR site: "...Americans from all walks of life share the personal philosophies that guide their daily lives" (NPR's page for the show).

This morning's segment was by journalist Ted Gup, and really caused a light bulb to go off in my head. "In Praise of the 'Wobblies'" described the way I have felt for most of my life—say from
high-school on—and have always felt somewhat "lesser" for. While most of those around me had very strong and specific opinions about things, I typically held back and listened, usually finding some points on all sides that I agreed with and some that I disagreed with.

You can read the piece here.

I felt "lesser" because I figured that those with strong opinions must know more about the issue than I did. And I (very naively, looking at it now) was sure that they had considered all the facts and arguments and come to their very definite conclusion—since that is what I do/would do (along with a good helping of "gut feeling") before making a commitment to any belief I subscribe to. I felt that if I were better read or cared more or knew more people that I would naturally be able to form a solid viewpoint.

For what it's worth, Gup's essay has given me some validation that I hope I can hold on to and remember the next time I start feeling "lesser" than someone else because I don't hold as strong an opinion on any particular topic as they do.