Contempt prior to examination

While thinking about class last week i was reminded of a quote and i thought i would just share it.  

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information; which is proof against all argument; and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. This principle is contempt prior to examination."   Herbert Spencer

I completely agree that we should step out of our comfort zone from time to time.  If that is by learning about a different culture or a race we usually don't converse with, so be it.  There is much to be learned when facing the unknown and even more when it is something feared because of cultural differences.  It isn't hard to find diverse culture even here in Utah, where it is thought to be such a ethically dull place.  Just start looking for an opportunity to learn something of a different culture and try to understand why you don't like the things you don't like.  I am almost certain that close to 90% of the things we don't like about another race or culture is because we fall into the category of people being "contempt prior to examination".  Just as Herbert Spencer said,  this will do nothing less of keep you in an ignorant state and in my opinion very uneducated.