Integrated complexity feels like disloyalty

Integrated complexity is the ability to hold multiple perspectives at once, and it’s a wonderful trait for people to have. Some have it more naturally than others, but we can all work to do more.

It’s really the ability to see opposing viewpoints, and understand the “why” for both sides. You don’t have to agree with the other side, but understanding what drives their views is the best first step you can take.

It’s similar the immigration examples I shared last year, with this idea from Shankar Vedantam that shares what happens when someone is unable to see opposing viewpoints:

If you think there should be, for example, zero immigration to the United States, you can call anyone who has even mildly pro-immigrant views a traitor. On the other hand if you think there should be open borders to the United States, you can call anyone who calls for any immigration restrictions a racist.

Another example would be those friends of yours that are able to see both sides of the aisle politically.

The problem with all of those, as shared in that immigration post, is that people with strong abilities toward integrated complexity are often seen as disloyal by their peers. For many folks, the simple act of empathy and understanding the viewpoint of “those other people” is unfathomable.