Holding Conflicting Thoughts

" The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

I think quite often about the above quote. Growing up, the simplicity of holding strongly to ideas and relationships appealed to me. Right and wrong. Black and white help create a comfortable certainty.

In Improv, a key to character development is to develop a game. What is the character's shtick? Once identified, consistent actions invest in the "game" which leads to a big laugh at the end. For example, if a character speaks loudly because the person grew up being ignored and craves attention -- commit to it: in the gym, in a movie theater, in the workplace & in romance...

While the shtick of speaking loudly makes for a nice laugh, don't we all invest and commit over and over to our views? A Liberal, for example, always assumes the Conservative has poor intentions. Corporations are singularly evil some will chant. Welfare supports the laziness of individuals. While these are extreme examples, our current political divide and Thanksgiving dinners communicate how committed we are to "speaking loudly" and "in bed" with the certainty of our views.

This brings me back to F. Scott Fitzgerald's quote about holding multiple opposing views and still being able to function. Personally, as I get older and learn more, I realize how complicated problems are and how most things really are fifty-one shades of grey.

Not knowing answers, realizing that individuals of all stripes are good and bad, appreciating certain aspects while disapproving of others are valuable lessons. Conflict, for the better or worse, makes for a good scene.