The danger of avoiding negative arguments

The Discomfort of the Negative

As humans, we have a natural tendency to avoid discomfort.

This applies to our thought processes as well.

Often, we avoid considering "negative" arguments or ideas (those that challenge our beliefs, are complex, or confront us with uncomfortable truths) simply because they don't feel right.

A Partial View of Reality

The danger with this avoidance is that we are left with a biased and partial view of reality.

If we are only willing to consider half the picture (the positive, comfortable half), our decisions and our understanding of the world will be fundamentally flawed.

To make wise decisions, we need to consider all angles—both the ones we like and the ones we don't.

Vulnerability to Manipulation

This aversion to negativity makes us vulnerable to manipulation.

People who use intimidation or pressure tactics (emotional "bullies") take advantage of this.

They know that if they create a situation uncomfortable or confrontational enough, the conflict-avoiding person will give in simply to relieve the pressure.

This dynamic can occur on an interpersonal level, but also on a larger societal scale.

Philosophical Courage: Developing a strong mind and robust intelligence requires what we might call "philosophical courage.