BY HERMAN M. LAGON
A MORE comprehensive range of options can strike a chord in a diverse and complex community. Many of us have an innate ability to see beyond dichotomies, reflected in our adaptability and tenacity. This viewpoint is especially relevant when discussing national identity and policies because generalizations sometimes fail to do social justice.
Embracing more nuanced perspectives can profoundly impact education here and abroad. Better and more thorough learning outcomes can be achieved if we stop arguing about whether learning by doing or memory is more successful and instead acknowledge that both approaches have their place in a well-rounded educational strategy.
Our judgment can be clouded by oversimplified dichotomies when it concerns politics. Using simplistic language like “you’re either with us or against us” impedes critical discussion and compromise, essential to a robust democracy.
Despite the close relationship between mental and physical wellness, people sometimes falsely believe they must compromise on one for the other. This false dichotomy arises in health debates as well.
Taking care of one’s physical and mental health are not two separate but equally vital aspects of a well-rounded approach.
There is another cultural false dichotomy with the purported choice between environmental sustainability and economic growth. New methods and technology are showing how communities can succeed economically while improving the state of the environment.
The simplistic “friends or lovers” division ignores the rich diversity of human relationships, each of which can enrich our lives in its unique way and at its unique moment.
If we want to navigate life’s enormous landscapes wisely and humorously, we need to question the idea that our choices are often as limited as false dichotomies suggest. By being open to a range of possibilities, we can improve our decision-making in our personal, professional, and public lives.
Ultimately, false dichotomies limit our capacity for knowledge and growth. Realizing that life is rarely an either/or proposition helps us make better decisions, whether about our careers, our social engagement, or even our leisure time. It is full of potential, occasionally, and maybes that warrant our attention. All of us can live fuller, more satisfying lives if we refuse to accept life’s oversimplified solutions and instead welcome its complexity.
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Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world that is grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views herewith do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.
reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with./PN
