"truth from any source"

I was reading The Marriage Plot and there is a line, attributed to Quaker philosophy, that states “truth from any source.” Shortly thereafter, I was on Facebook where a friend posted a link from a political web site that demonstrated how a politician incorrectly stated something concerning job growth, and the fact was easily obtainable, and was pointed by others on the show. I thought, as I was reading it and listening to the clip, that it wasn’t a big deal, there was probably some ways that the politician could have spoken more clearly to avoid any confusion, but that his statement was not factually correct. But again, not a big deal, because such happens all the time, and ultimately he was sticking to his talking points, which you expect two months before November in an election year.

Then, not surprisingly, several other friends who were of the same political persuasion as the politician commented on the link, explaining how the politician didn’t really misspeak as he was trying to make a larger point. Now, the politician may have been trying to make a larger point – such is reasonable to assume based on prior things this particular politician said and his political bent. But he clearly didn’t say that in this conversation.  (I am purposely vague here, because the facts of the particular situation aren't relevant to my random reflection tonight).

This led me to thinking – we often hear what we want to hear. We interpret based on pre-conceived notions. Why is it so hard to accept truth from any source? Why is it so hard to remain open to all interpretations and wait making conclusions until the information is gathered? Must we always make a conclusion based on our pre-existing philosophies, or is true openness possible? How does one evaluate their own inner reflections to remain open to truth from any source? How do we rid ourselves of our pre-conceived notions and biases? Is such possible? The things on my mind tonight.