Necessity Versus Opinion

Yesterday, I blogged Attracted To Novelties, having been inspired by Baxter’s The Reformed Pastor (1656). Today I am writing having been inspired further by his understanding of necessity versus opinion. While Baxter was focused on church leadership, he was really showing his overall leadership expertise that we all can glean from. Richard Baxter emphasized the idea that necessity is confined, while opinions can be broad and varied. Leaders should prioritize essential values and principles in our decision-making processes rather than getting sidetracked by popular opinion or trends. This means discerning what truly matters to their organizations and stakeholders.

“Necessity is shut up within narrow limits; not so with opinion” ~ Ficinus

Baxter argued, “The great volumes and tedious controversies that so much trouble us and waste our time, are usually made up more of opinions than of necessary verities…” Think about how many times we get caught up in a bunch of talk about things that don’t really matter or opinions not based on any facts. Both Baxter and Seneca advocate for a thoughtful approach to life. We can foster cultures of discernment within our teams, encouraging critical thinking and open discussions about ideas and strategies. This can lead to better decision-making and a more engaged team.

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