If you were offered the ability to read minds, would you want it?
On one hand you would know what people were thinking. You'd be able to use that to your advantage. Interviews would be easy. No one would be able to lie to you.
On the other hand you would constantly hear everything running through other people's minds. Constant stream of noise and information. Maybe even some things you don't want to know.
So would you want it?
Aha, but you didn't specify as to whether or not you can turn this ability on and off. Since that remains open, I'm going to assume you can. Therefore, I'd be extremely happy to have such a gift.
@silvereyes That's just an implication. Sure, you could infer the conclusion that it's constant, but you could equally ignore it. Clarity is key.
Also, I'm an arsehole.
I absolutely would take it, as long as it was dulled by increased proximity. I think you'd gain compassion for people and learn our motivations are very similar.
If I had the power to turn my mind reading abilities on and off, then yes.
Nope...as it is my mind is a toilet bowl of useless noise ...
Oh... Geeze! ..... no..... I got a dull ringing in there already... all the time. I need a fan to go to sleep. Because I get hot and for the white noise to drown out the ringing. I wore earplugs for 40 years and i still got ir.
The only way I'd want it is if I could turn it off. I'm a firm believer that other people are entitled to the privacy of their thoughts, but there are some situations in which having that sort of access could be useful (e.g., dealing with corrupt people in authority or criminals). But, for the most part, I'd not use itβ so long as I could mute it.