Absolute thinking
Human beings, regardless of race, religion or culture, are likely to embrace any belief that is absolute. This is because absolute beliefs are simple, easy to comprehend, and false positives that offer us a false sense of security. If we come to believe that a particular population of people are either all good or all bad, then we fool ourselves into thinking that we have got a piece of a particular equation all figured out. This is a comforting state of mind to be in, as we feel assured and in control. If you have decided that a group of people are all bad, then all you have to do is stay away from them. Life just got easier.
Absolute thinking causes pain and suffering in the life of the person who adheres to an all-or-nothing attitude in any facet of his thought process. This is because the person is routinely exposed to contradictions to his beliefs, which creates a sense of threat to his world view.
The best remedy for habitual absolute thinking, especially when it comes to relating to others is to practice empathy.
Once people begin to see themselves as being powerless over most facets in their lives flexibility in thinking sets in.
Ugo Uche, M.S., L.P.C.
Psychology Today
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