Opinions

"Opinions" by Claude C. Washburn is a compilation of essays from the early 1900s that observes life, culture, and what it means to be human, especially for Americans living in foreign countries. Dealing with themes such as the importance of opinions, living in other countries, and being disappointed by foreign cultures, it shows the value of thinking for oneself instead of following what society expects. The book starts with an introduction where the author shares his thoughts on opinions and how they influence the lives of novelists and thinkers. Washburn jokingly talks about how opinions can be a hassle, growing and appearing in ways that writers might find hard to control. He also introduces the complicated reasons Americans often choose to live in other countries, highlighting the freedom they feel from social pressures, a freedom that can lead to a better understanding of themselves and the cultures around them. The writing style is designed to encourage thoughtful consideration of personal ideas and the contradictions of freedom and responsibility in human relationships, targeting people who are searching for deeper meaning in a world that seems to care more about shallow things.