In a discussion one day not so long ago, someone said to me, “Well, that’s your opinion…”

To which I might say…

Why, yes, yes it is. I have an entire collection of them, and they’re all mine. I don’t necessarily think they’re better than other people’s opinions (although many of them are quite well-considered), and I’ve been known to change them when sufficient evidence persuades me to do so, but, basically, my opinions are mine, and I voice them as such.

From time to time, when I have an unformed opinion because I lack the scientific, technical, or other knowledge to form one, I will accept that the opinions of experts may be valid, and I may even repeat or cite those expert opinions, but I never claim those opinions as my own.

When I was younger and much more unsure of myself and much less able to form opinions (at least, unable to form opinions with much substance), I did, indeed, frequently take other people’s opinions and claim they were my own, but now that I’ve lived a reasonably long time and had lots and lots of life experience both good and bad, I find that forming my own opinions is much more comfortable and satisfying, and is preferable to adopting the opinions of others (although, at times my opinions may agree in whole or in part with those of others, through coincidence, shared life experiences, or other means).

Yes, it is my opinion. And your point is?

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