Patience and Humility

used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly

Oxford English Dictionary

I struggled with inflexible, binary thinking for four decades. Then, I had a breakdown and began to learn through therapy that life actually exists on a spectrum. After listening to several Art of Manliness interviews and Tim Keller sermons on the subject, I find myself hopeful that the word “and” will become more prevalent in our society in 2024. Perhaps, embracing non-binary thinking can help bridge the deep political division that plagues our modern world.

Non-Dualistic Thinking

One of the key aspects of non-binary thinking is the rejection of frameworks that limit our understanding of the world. The Art of Manliness interview with Father Richard Rohr, which delves into the concept of non-dualistic thinking, resonated with me. Non-dualistic thinking encourages us to move beyond either-or categories and embrace the idea that reality is multi-faceted and nuanced. This approach reminds us that things are not simply black or white, good or bad, right or wrong. By adopting non-dualistic thinking, we open ourselves up to a broader range of perspectives and possibilities, fostering empathy and understanding in our interactions with others.

Non-Binary Thinking

Tim Keller, a renowned author and pastor who sadly passed away in 2023, also emphasized the importance of non-binary thinking in his teachings. He encourages us to challenge the prevailing cultural narratives that often trap us in binary frameworks. Keller suggests that by embracing non-binary thinking, we can resist the temptation to label people and issues as either wholly good or entirely bad. Instead, we can cultivate a more nuanced understanding of ourselves and others. This approach allows for greater compassion and empathy, as we recognize that everyone is a complex blend of strengths and weaknesses.

Applying More Ampersands

In our current political environment, polarization and division seem to be the norm rather than the exception. Non-binary thinking offers us a way out of this destructive cycle. By stepping away from the rigid binaries of left vs. right, liberal vs. conservative, we can create space for dialogue and bridge-building. Non-binary thinking prompts us to seek common ground and find shared values, rather than focusing solely on our differences. It encourages us to listen and understand, rather than engaging in fruitless debates that only reinforce existing divisions. Embracing non-binary thinking can pave the way for more productive and inclusive political discourse.

If you are looking for help on how to shift your thinking from binary, consider Tim Urban’s thinking ladder. Instead of focusing on what one thinks, focus on how they think.

Conclusion

As we begin 2024, I hope that non-binary thinking will continue to gain momentum and improve how we function as a Nation. Inspired by the Art of Manliness podcast and teachings of Tim Keller, I believe that embracing non-binary thinking can help us transcend divisive ideologies and create a more inclusive and empathetic community. Applying the concept at work and home – holding two feelings simultaneously – has calmed me. By rejecting dualistic frameworks, we can bridge the deep divisions that plague us and move towards a more harmonious society. Recent events with university presidents show a rejection of extremes. Let us embrace non-binary thinking and work towards building a brighter future together.

P.S. This post was my first attempt at using AI for a crappy first draft. I think I spent about as time writing prompts and editing as I saved.