Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.”
Though these words were spoken decades ago, they feel even more relevant in today’s world—where gossip is entertainment, headlines change by the hour, and attention spans are shorter than ever.
We all get caught up in conversations about what’s happening or who’s doing what, but Roosevelt’s wisdom reminds us of something deeper: the conversations we choose to have reveal the kind of mindset we carry.
The Power of Discussing Ideas
Ideas are the seeds of growth. When you talk about ideas, you’re not just sharing thoughts—you’re exploring possibilities, challenging your perspective, and creating space for innovation.
Think about the last time you had a conversation that lit you up—maybe about a new project, a dream you’re working on, or a philosophy that made you rethink your approach to life. These are the kinds of conversations that elevate your spirit and expand your world.
The Trap of Events and Gossip
On the other hand, it’s easy to get stuck in the cycle of talking about events and people. Events are fleeting, and gossip rarely leads anywhere but frustration or division.
Social media has made this trap even more tempting. Scrolling through headlines, updates, or drama makes it feel like we’re connected—but in reality, it’s often just noise. And the more we fill our minds with noise, the less room we leave for growth, creativity, or peace.
Choosing Higher-Level Conversations
Elevating your conversations starts with a choice. Instead of asking, “What happened?” or “What did they do?”—start asking, “What can we build?” or “What can we learn?”
Surround yourself with people who challenge you to think differently, who push you toward growth instead of dragging you into drama. And when you find yourself in a conversation that feels small, redirect it. Introduce a new perspective, share a lesson, or simply step away.
Final Takeaway
The truth is simple: what you focus on expands. If you spend your energy talking about ideas, your mind will grow. If you spend your energy on gossip, your world will shrink.
Great minds aren’t born—they’re built through the conversations you choose to have, one thought at a time.
TheSpiritualExplorer 