BINARY THINKING - HOW TO NEVER EVER EVER EVER THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!

What is binary thinking, you might wonder?

There are probably two ways, if not more, of understanding binary thinking, but I will address two forms of binary thinking, computing and/or perception:

The first form of binary perception is computer binary code. Modern computing can understand and process all data through zeros (off) and ones (on). What makes binary computing so great is the fact that it is simple and efficient, and the on and off (zeros & ones) are physically correlated to the circuitry, which makes it easier to conceptualize, unlike other forms of computing, such as Decimal computing, which takes the simple Binary computing and complicates it without adding any real benefits. In the world of computing, simplicity is always a plus since the world itself is already complicated enough. By reducing everything to zeros and ones, humans can translate their language into something computers can understand. The second form of binary perception is human binary thinking. Binary thinking in humans is like computers in their dualistic perception of the world. Binary thinking examples with humans: 1) Is the sky blue or not? 2) Is it one or zero? 3) Are you a Republican or a Democrat? In the dualistic worldview view there is no space for a middle ground or grey area; if there is a middle, then it is most likely it is an incorrect assumption or answer. Contradicting the examples above: The sky can be blue on a clear day, pink at sundown, and grey and white on a cloudy day. 2) It is neither 0 nor 1; it is 0.5 (half of one). 3) I am unaffiliated (neither Democrat nor Republican); I am pro-guns (Republican) and pro-abortion (Democrat), I am pro-borders (Republican) and pro-immigrants (Democrat). So, in simplified words, binary thinking or perception is seeing the world as black or white or zeros and ones with no grey in between.

Why is binary thinking limiting?

The problem with binary thinking is the limitation in perception. If I tell you that there are only two options. Option#1: You get to eat the apple. Option#2: You don’t get to eat the apple. Which option would you choose? Which is the correct option? This type of logical fallacy is called the false dilemma. Did you consider the fact that the apple might be rotten? If not, wouldn’t that change your option? Did you consider the fact that there might be other fruits that you could eat without having to make a binary decision? Once you realize that there can be more than one or two options to a problem or situation, you start seeing more options become available to you. It is when you limit yourself to two options it is when you lose the perspective of being able to see the bigger picture rather than what is in front of you. Quote: "You can't see the forest for the trees.” Meaning: “It means that someone is too focused on minor details (the trees) to understand the larger situation or bigger picture (the forest).”

How do you fight binary thinking?

To fight binary thinking, you always have to question your assumptions.
Meta-cognition helps, which is the concept of thinking about thinking or being able to interrogate/analyze your thinking, assumptions, and biases.
Always keep in mind that there is always more to know and you don't know how much you don't know which should cause your brain to be more open-minded and humble because thinking like this reminds one of the following quote: "I know that I know nothing." which is not admission to being stupid, but a realization that as much as you might think you know when you compare your knowledge to all the knowledge in the infinite universe your knowledge finite. 

Here is a quote I wrote that inspired me to write this article:

"Perspective is everything.
Binary thinking is the limit.
Entertain all ideas, practical or theoretical.
Imagination and reality combined create:
Innovation.
Out of the box thinking requires courage to be the only one outside."
-SDFM



George Carlin (Observational stand-up comedian) on the similarities between all of us:



Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgps85scy1g

If you enjoy this writing piece, please consider tipping, commenting, or liking it.
You can follow me on Soundcloud, Substack, Audius, Instagram, and Publish0X

Resources

1. https://search.brave.com/search
2. https://www.quora.com/Is-it-possible-to-build-a-computer-that-uses-decimal-system
3. https://search.brave.com/search
4. https://www.clearerthinking.org/post/the-three-types-of-binary-thinking
5. https://www.google.com/search
6. https://www.google.com/search
7. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/cant-see-the-forest-for-the-trees
8. https://programs.clearerthinking.org/how_rational_are_you_really_take_the_test.html
9. https://www.sololearn.com/en/Discuss/1521974/which-is-faster-a-program-written-in-decimal-hexa-decimal-or-binary-running-time-and-compiling-time
10. https://search.brave.com/search
11. https://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/glossary/decimal/
12. https://www.google.com/search
13. https://search.brave.com/search
14. https://www.youtube.com/watch
15. https://www.google.com/search
16. https://pixabay.com/photos/forest-fog-coniferous-forest-7406241/
17. https://imgflip.com/i/2qjyd7