This is a very interesting question this week and I have been grappling with it for a while and still don't believe I really have a great answer. At least, it is not a binary answer.

Arguments for

Wisdom exudes from some people. Perhaps that is because of their own teachers that have passed down lessons. Or perhaps due to their rich life experiences and the deep self-reflections that they have undertaken. To gain some of the deep insight and wisdom that these great people have is a blessing. It is a shortcut for our own development.

I truly believe if we have access to such people, a guru or a teacher, we should make use of the opportunity. Listen to them attentively and gain some insight into their perspective of reality.

Arguments against

However, I am also conscious that we are blessed with a mind and need to make our own decisions in life on truth. We need to discover our own path and build our own wisdom. There is a danger that if we concentrate our life around one teacher or guru, we actually narrow our perception of reality. Like looking at life through a particular tinted pair of glasses.

We also open ourselves to possible manipulation as we take everything this person says for granted. This could lead to extremism and prejudice against others who have alternative views.

Finding the balance

I believe that life is enriched through diversity. We should seek alternative views to give us different perspectives. This will enrich our own perspective greatly by not seeing through one lens but something more prism where we can see all the colours of life in one go.

This in turn drives tolerance and understanding. It makes us have empathy for the perspectives of others and enriches us as individuals. Balance is required, I think.

Image source: Pexels