There Are Two Sides to Every Issue —But the third one takes the most courage
Why choosing a neutral stance takes courage
“To be nobody but yourself in a world doing its best to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle any human can ever fight and never stop fighting.” — E. E. Cummings
Have you ever been harassed because you refused to take sides on an issue that other people were passionate about? Have you been called cowardly, weak, or just plain stupid for sticking to your principles? I have — and it’s not a pleasant situation.
In actuality, all three sides share some of the same characteristics. Their views stem from their personal convictions, faith, beliefs, and experiences. And all three sides want their views to be respected.
It’s the third option, however, that requires the most courage to maintain. Why? If I were in either of the first two groups, for or against a certain issue, I would be facing only one opposing side. But, when I choose to take the neutral stance on the same issue, I’m now facing both opposing sides — double the trouble.
Conformity is a strong pressure
Being separate or different when others are adamant in their choices is to take the path with the most resistance. I, like everyone else, like to blend and mix well with those around me whenever possible. Who doesn’t want to be liked and accepted as part of a community?
But if being accepted means ditching my principles and faking a response just to please others, it’s not worth the price.
Understanding motivation can help you stay balanced
When making my decision to stay neutral on an issue, I also try to understand the motivation moving the actions of those who are divided over the issue. This helps me keep a balanced perspective and a non-judgmental attitude toward them. Respecting the right of others to disagree is crucial to maintaining peace and, in my opinion, self-respect.
Takeaway
“The person who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The person who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever seen before.” — Albert Einstein
