Very few things actually require a binary choice
Except for On and Off, there are few things in life that are Either / Or.
There is almost always a middle option – more like 1,000,000 middle options, actually.
But in the public square, we’re often pressured to choose one or the other. This-or-That.
This can be referred to as a false dichotomy (which is the cousin to limiting beliefs, which I covered here).
A false dichotomy is a fallacy that erroneously limits what options are available. The source of the fallacy lies not in an invalid form of inference but in a false premise.
It’s not that the choices are not valid choices, but that they are not the only choices:
- Good or evil
- Black or white
- Democrat or Republican
- Diet or overindulge
- Immigration or homelessness
- Mask or no mask
- Rich or poor
- Defund or defend
Until we accept that these complex challenges require complex answers, we will forever live in the great debate.
Complex answers don’t fit well in Tweets or the 5 o’clock news. They don’t make great headlines or get claps on Medium. Because of this, we’re rarely offered the opportunity to discuss complex issues; people want the punchline. The quick answer.
They want the talking point so they can start their own avalanche of opinion.
We will never reach a consensus if we are pitted against each other. Compromise and conversation do not flourish in chaos.
Instead, consider that the correct answer may include:
- It’s complicated
- It’s a tough choice
- There is no right answer
- The best of two bad choices
- It will take work from both of us
- There is no one solution
- What works best for you may not work best for me
- A lot of smaller decisions will work better than a few big ones
- We probably don’t have all the facts
- It’s okay to disagree
- I respect your perspective, but I see the problem differently
- I am hesitant to trust the mainstream sources
- I haven’t reached a definitive position yet
Don’t get trapped into thinking you must choose from one or the other. Look for alternatives. They exist.
All 1,000,000 of them.
All the best,
-Shaun
I’m so thankful you’re here. If you are a new reader, try checking out this popular post that was previously shared with other passionate people like you:
→ How to Grow Credibility in Your Niche
