Facts matter. So do our opinions.
According to collinsdictionary.com, “facts are pieces of information which can be proved to be true.” If we’re using facts to make our point, it’s often a good idea to offer up some supporting evidence to substantiate our argument.
Google’s Oxford Languages results say that opinions are “a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.” If we’re going to employ an opinion when trying to make a point, we should (1) make sure that it’s known we’re offering an opinion and (2) not try to argue that our opinions constitute facts.
There’s nothing wrong with using opinions, and many of us are paid quite well to offer them in a professional setting. We just need to make sure that everyone – including ourselves – knows the difference.
Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.
Daniel Patrick Moynihan
Share this Post