Been trying to read this impossible paper for work written by an NUS professor ALL DAY. I swear academics need to get a life.

In his paper, he's made a no. of what I think are rather irreverant remarks and expressed strong opinions, esp. criticising his own institution. I've been listening to academic-speak at many of the meetings I attend, and there's this obsessive need to "have a point of view" or "state their strong (and different) opinion" or stating an opinion for the sake of stating an opinion, etc. After a while, it doesn't wow me anymore. I'm like, yeah right.... so you have an opinion.....which doesn't make logical sense btw..... BIG DEAL.... (oh grow up!)...... *roll eyes*

I remember when I was younger, a student in NUS, all wide-eye and bushy-tale. Hearing different and many opinions (whether or not they necessarily made sense) wowed me to bits. For the first time in my life, there wasn't just one way of looking at things, at life. There were many, depending on your perspective.

Don't get me wrong. Having differing and even dissenting voices are very important in life - be it in an organisation, among friends, in civil society, and esp (if you ask me) in churches. its HOW you express and convey your differing views that will affect the health of the relationship/organisation/group. But otherwise, opinions and views are good - they keep the place/relationship thinking on their feet, robust, and constantly learning from each other. We also learn to agree to disagree, which is part and parcel of growing. That's how we make each other better, we help the place/organisation grow.

But when I have an opinion for the sake of demonstrating that I HAVE an opinion (read between the lines: for self-gain/glory rather than the betterment of the relationship/organisation), I think that's just wrong. Its also no way to live a life, all angsty and self-obsessed. And honestly, after a while, your opinion's really not all that new or startling anymore. Its RECYCLED. =P