"Je ne vois pas le monde de manière binaire"

Seeing the world as more than just black and white is all about embracing complexity and nuance. It’s recognizing that life isn’t just a series of yes-or-no questions. Rather, it’s a spectrum of possibilities, where multiple perspectives can coexist.

So, why is this important? Historically, humans have often tried to simplify the world to make sense of it. But simplifying can sometimes lead to oversights and misunderstandings. Take, for instance, the Cold War era. People were pressured to choose sides: you were either with the US or with the USSR. But in reality, many nations and individuals felt caught in the middle, supporting neither the stark opposition nor the extremities of either ideology. They sought a middle ground or a third way, demonstrating that the world isn’t just divided into two opposing camps.

Let’s bring this back to something more personal and contemporary. Think about a workplace scenario. Imagine you’re at a team meeting, and there’s a heated debate about adopting a new project management tool. Some team members are all in favor, others are completely against it. You might think you have to pick a side, right? But what if you approached it differently? What if you considered that both groups have valid points? Maybe the new tool has fantastic features, but it also has a steep learning curve. By acknowledging both perspectives, you could suggest a phased implementation—try the tool on a small project first before a full rollout. This way, you’re not just seeing things in a binary way but considering a fuller picture.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by challenging yourself to see beyond the obvious choices. When faced with a decision, ask yourself: What are the other options? What’s in the gray area? Try to gather more information before making up your mind. Engage with people who have different viewpoints. Their perspectives might just reveal layers you hadn’t considered.

Here’s a relatable story to illustrate the concept. Think about Sarah, who’s deciding between two job offers. One is a high-paying corporate role, the other a lower-paying non-profit position. Most people might see this as a binary choice: money versus passion. But Sarah digs deeper. She talks to people at both companies, weighs her long-term career goals, and even considers a third option—freelancing on the side to supplement income while working at the non-profit. By not seeing the world in a binary way, Sarah crafts a decision that aligns perfectly with her values and needs.

In essence, life is rarely a matter of either/or. By embracing complexity and considering multiple angles, you open yourself up to richer, more informed decisions. And next time you’re stuck between two choices, remember—there’s probably a third way, or even a fourth, waiting to be discovered.