Two Binary Thinking Patterns

Two Binary Thinking Patterns

By A. S.

Post on 11/14/2026

Whenever there are two sides or options, people usually think in one of two ways:

Either “one is bad, one is good”. This is stereotypically (but not always) how right-wingers think.

Or “both are equally good.” This is stereotypically (but not always) how left-wingers think.

Both thinking patterns are overly simplistic. The reality can be that both sides are good, but not to the same extent; or both sides are bad, but not to the same extent; or that one is neutral; or that the situation is too nuanced to capture in “good” or “bad.”

When one side adopts “one is bad, one is good” and the other side adopts “both are equally good”, then discussions become intractable. Both sides clearly see that the other side is wrong, while not seeing that their own side is wrong too.

For example: the right goes “the native population is good, immigrants are bad.” The left counters with “any immigrant is the equivalent of a native-born person; illegal immigration isn’t a problem; building a wall to keep illegal immigrants out is bad.” Both are overly simplistic.

For example: the right goes “we’re the good country, that other country is bad and we should attack it or wage economic warfare against it.” The left goes “conflict is never the solution.” Both are overly simplistic.

For example: one person goes “my political party is good, and the other party is evil, and the country will be saved if my political party gets elected.” Another person goes “both sides are equally bad, it doesn’t matter which party is elected.” Both are overly simplistic.

For example: one side goes “Trump is good, the dark controllers / cabal are evil.” Another side goes “Trump and the dark controllers are both evil.” Both are overly simplistic. In reality, (the person pretending to be) Trump is gray and the dark controllers are evil.

For example, here’s a discussion I had with my twin flame:

Her: “You look good.”

Me: “Do you like this beard as much as you like the clean-shaven look?”

Her: “No, you look good in both cases, but I prefer the clean-shaven look.”

Me: “Then from your perspective, this beard is bad, because you prefer clean-shaven?”

Her: “No, the beard isn’t bad.”

Me: “But if you prefer clean-shaven, then by definition the beard must be bad from your perspective, right?”

Her: “No, I like the beard, but I like clean-shaven more.”

Me: [does not compute]

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With all my love,

A.S.

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