One or the other, not both, and not more. Dogma is either/or, never allowing for anything else. This mindset, filter, or worldview pretends that two choices are all there is, leaving out infinite other possibilities.

What is it about the human condition that we settle for what is certainly limiting beliefs? Why are we afraid to embrace the complexity where creativity, strength, and compassion might flourish? Like a tapestry, true strength is the weaving together of our weakness (opportunities for growth) with our infinite capacity to experience, learn, and grow.

When the issues are perceived as black or white, all or nothing, either/or, we miss out on the greater good. Either/or allows for de-humanization, destruction, and isolation.

I grew up thinking that the push and pull of debate, differing opinions, and various points of view would ultimately bring about the “greater good”. People cling tightly to their point of view, not because that is some kind of objective truth but because they believe that THEIR perspective is in THEIR best interest – the rest be damned.

Maybe we evolved toward simplicity of thought. Our predictive brains keep us stuck in either/or. We can choose to look deeper, create alternatives, and possibilities never before considered.