Oh life! What art thou?

I suppose everyone has an opinion - that is at least every sentient being I've come across has at least one (perhaps I've even observed even two or three in myself). These are the hills that the uninlisted die on. These are the barely sub-divine.

At least one could gather this from the manner in which they are often shared.

Funny thing opinions are. They have a way of becoming fact for their host, regardless of whether sufficient evidence coheres with their particular neuroses.

Now, sometimes opinions are even so socially important that they must be shared without the slightest provocation. Often they'll just fall out of someone's mouth like grandma's dentures pre-poligrip. What's that all about?

I wonder what we could call that feeling. Sort of an amoebic, visceral compulsion to regain control of a conversation by suggesting contradictory neurotic observations to a previously amiable exchange. You know what I'm talking about. That stomach-churning-fist-tightening compulsion that instinctively occurs when someone tells you that the way you breathe air is ashamedly incorrect. Right. You know. You just thought about what happened earlier today.

Now, my question is, does humanity get any further along in the quest for knowledge when we deposit our 'two-cents' into the greater bank of culture and contemporary thought? Or perhaps more pointedly, why do you open your mouth? Why do I open my mouth? What oratory temptress seduces our lips so speech becomes irresistible in situations like these?

Truth is - I don't know. What I do know is that most times it would seem more socially profitable (even preferable) for all parties involved to "shut the hell up" (<-- Insert Stewie Griffin voice for previous assertion). Are we really convinced that our personal, subjective, piece-meal, convoluted, uninformed understanding of reality holds much water?

Hmmm....might want to reconsider there Hoss.

The reality is a staunch conviction that your opinion is always right only betrays the true fear you have of being wrong.

Let's get with it people; it's ok to be wrong. In fact, why don't you go outside right now and say, "I am an elephant." Try to muster the same amount of conviction to say that as you would to affirm the doctrine of the Trinity. I am not responsible for any sudden manifestation of lightning, acts of God, etc.

I jest, but I'm serious.