It's Rarely All of the Time
Absolutes cover up the fact that behind the curtain things are probably more like Sometimes, or Maybe, or even Not At All.
30-second read
When we use the word Always, it’s more likely Sometimes. It’s rarely all of the time.
And the word Everyone likely means A Group of People whom we’ve somehow surveyed in order to validate our opinion.
A Lot likely means Some.
Many likely means A Few.
Most likely means A Percentage Of. (And of course, we don't know that number. Please don't ask.)
You get the idea.
It’s human nature to front. When we want to be right—or seen as smart by the people who can buy our thing—we exaggerate the truth, communicate with hyperbole, and act as if our tiny bubbles are all that exist.
Opinions are cool. But really, they’re nothing more than good conversation starters. So long as we use them as tools for gaining new perspectives.
In every (there I go) non-scientific case that I can think of, fear and insecurity breed Always-speak.
Absolutes cover up the fact that behind the curtain things are probably more like Sometimes, or Maybe, or even Not At All.
A ‘strong opinions, loosely held’ approach accepts that there’s likely more to this than what we’re seeing.
Note to self: Communicating more intentionally and loosening my grip on opinions will help Some people trust me more.