Polarisation

Summary

The article discusses the challenges of polarization in public opinion and the importance of seeking wisdom over personal bias, advocating for a middle ground approach to decision-making.

Abstract

The article titled "Polarisation" delves into the difficulty of expressing wisdom without being influenced by personal opinions. It emphasizes that while speaking words is easy, imparting wisdom is much harder when one's own views are involved. The author reflects on their natural inclination to remain neutral on most issues but acknowledges the occasional formation of opinions that lead to personal growth. The piece highlights the surprising extent of polarization in society, notably in political contexts such as the British Brexit vote and the US presidential elections between Trump and Biden. These events have resulted in significant trust issues that may take a long time to heal. The author cites Stephen Covey's concept of "win-win" as an ideal middle ground that benefits all parties involved. The article concludes by urging readers to consider solutions that transcend polarization and aim for mutual benefit.

Opinions

The author naturally tends to be neutral or "on the fence" regarding most issues but admits that forming opinions can lead to personal development.
Public opinion is seen as excessively polarized, particularly in political matters, with a tendency for people to align strictly with one side or the other.
The author questions the common refrain that there are no credible alternatives to the dominant polarized options, suggesting that there are indeed viable middle grounds that deserve more attention.
The article criticizes the current state of polarization, pointing out the broken trust and potential long-term damage caused by events like Brexit and the Trump v Biden election.
The author endorses the "win-win" approach, viewing it as a more desirable and beneficial outcome for society compared to the divisiveness of polarization.

When opinion gets in the way of wisdom

It doesn’t take much to speak words. Yet speaking wisdom is truly hard.

Can you define your wisdom without throwing in your opinion? In doing so you are no longer talking smart.

I’ve always naturally been “on the fence” about most things, most of my life. That doesn’t stop me from time to time, drawing an opinion that just drives my mind to new places and changes me.

Polarisation

I’m always surprised by how polarised public opinion can be. Why does everyone vote red or blue? Don’t tell me it’s because “there’s no credible option”. There are credible middle grounds. It just never seems to draw the right attention, yet the middle ground holds the right answer.

Stephen Covey once referred to the metaphorical middle ground as “win win”.

So why do we polarise?

Brexit was one of the biggest polarisations in British History, as was Trump v Biden for the US.

A lot of trust has been broken as a result of both votes. It will be irreparable for a very long time.

The premise of this? I would urge you to consider win win. It’s better for everyone.

Stop Polarisation