"الرجل الذي لا يغير آراءه مثل الماء الراكد ويولد زواحف العقل"

Being inflexible with your opinions is like stagnant water — it becomes a breeding ground for negative thoughts and ideas. Imagine if you never changed your mind about anything. You'd be stuck in the same place, just like standing water that turns into a murky pond. Over time, it gets all gross and attracts pests. That's what happens to your mind when you refuse to adapt or consider new perspectives.

This quote comes from poet and artist William Blake, known for his vivid and often enigmatic imagery. Imagine the late 18th century when Blake was alive. Society was rigid and people were often resistant to change. Blake was all about shaking things up. He believed that being stuck in your ways was not just unproductive, but downright harmful. Think of it as his way of saying, "Hey, don't let your brain become a swamp."

Let's look at a real-life example. Think about the tech world. Remember when Blackberry phones were all the rage? If the company had stuck to its guns and refused to innovate, it would have ended up like that stagnant pond. And that's kind of what happened, right? They didn't evolve quickly enough when smartphones started to take over. Meanwhile, companies like Apple and Samsung were constantly reinventing themselves, embracing new ideas and technologies. They didn’t let their minds breed any "reptiles" — they stayed fresh, and they're still leading the market.

So how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by questioning your own beliefs and opinions. Are they serving you well? When was the last time you changed your mind about something significant? If you can’t remember, it might be time to do some mental spring cleaning. Engage with people who have different viewpoints. Read widely, from sources you don’t usually go to. It's like opening the windows and letting fresh air into a stuffy room. It makes a world of difference.

Here's a story to bring this idea to life. Picture this: You have a friend, let's call her Sarah. Sarah's always been adamant that she hates exercise. She hasn't tried anything new since high school gym class. One day, she gets dragged to a yoga class. She starts slow, grudgingly. But to her surprise, she loves it. She feels better, sleeps better, and starts to explore other activities like hiking and swimming. Sarah's change of heart didn’t just improve her health — it opened her up to new experiences and friendships. She didn't let her old beliefs turn into that swamp full of mental “reptiles.”

So, what's the takeaway here? Be like Sarah. Don’t let your opinions become stagnant. Challenge yourself to think differently, to adapt. It's not always comfortable, but it's essential for growth. You’ll be surprised at the opportunities that come your way when you keep your mind open. So next time you catch yourself thinking, "This is just how I am," pause. Ask yourself, "Is this belief helping me, or is it holding me back?" You might just clear out some mental cobwebs and discover a whole new world of possibilities.