In the minds of most men, the kingdom of opinion is divided into three territories,–the territory of yes, the territory of no, and a broad, unexplored middle ground of doubt.

James A. Garfield

Black-or-white thinking and the middle ground are two cognitive biases that can cloud our judgment.

Black-or-white thinking is a cognitive distortion that causes us to see the world in all-or-nothing terms. We may believe that something is either good or bad, right or wrong, black or white. This type of thinking can lead us to make extreme judgments and to overlook important nuance.

For example, someone with black-or-white thinking might believe that they are either a complete success or a complete failure. They might believe that a relationship is either perfect or worthless. They might believe that a political candidate is either a saint or a devil.

The middle ground is a cognitive bias that causes us to believe that there is always a compromise or middle ground to be found. We may believe that the best solution to any problem is always somewhere in the middle. This type of thinking can lead us to avoid making difficult decisions and to accept suboptimal solutions.

For example, someone with a middle ground bias might believe that they should always choose the middle option on a multiple choice test, even if they don’t know the answer. They might believe that they should always split the difference when negotiating, even if they don’t get a fair deal. They might believe that they should always avoid conflict, even if it means standing up for what they believe in.

Black-or-white thinking and the middle ground can have a negative impact on our lives. They can lead us to make bad decisions, to have unhealthy relationships, and to avoid difficult but necessary conversations.

Here are some examples of how black-or-white thinking and the middle ground can play out in real life:

  • A student who gets a B on a test might think that they are a failure, even though they have a good overall GPA.
  • A person in a relationship might think that they should either stay in the relationship or leave it, even if there are ways to improve the relationship.
  • A politician might avoid taking a stand on a controversial issue because they don’t want to alienate any voters.
  • A parent might always split the difference with their child when negotiating, even if it means giving in to the child’s demands.

It is important to be aware of black-or-white thinking and the middle ground so that we can avoid being misled by them. When we are making decisions, we should try to see the world in shades of gray and to be open to different possibilities. We should also be willing to take a stand on important issues, even if it means facing conflict.

Here are some tips for avoiding black-or-white thinking and the middle ground:

  • Be aware of your own biases. Once you are aware of your biases, you can start to take steps to avoid them.
  • Consider multiple perspectives. When making a decision, try to see things from different perspectives.
  • Be open to new information. Don’t let your existing biases prevent you from considering new information that may challenge your beliefs.
  • Be willing to take risks. There is no guarantee that any decision will be perfect, but it is important to be willing to take risks and to make decisions based on your best judgment.