Why do so many people like extremes?

Question

Sense I have been looking at all the questions and answers on this site it has come to my attention that so many people take up the extream ends of issues. Why is that? I have been racking my brains trying to figure out why that would be helpful, but I can't come up with any explanations. I feel that the middle ground will always be the best. Yes I know not everyone is a fanatic, maybe it just seems like there is so many because they are the loudest and thus make the biggest impression. If anyone admits to being an extreamest, why do you feel that is the best way to go.
Any and all answers to this question are appreciated.
Please do not answer what is not asked.
Thanks.

OK what if I am passionate about the middle ground.

Answer 1

I remember a study some years back that was basically a survey of people's political and social inclinations. The subjects were asked to answer some questions about social issues, but the questions were not just the ordinary "are you for or against..." variety. They were more complex and required some introspection before arriving at an answer. I believe the subjects were also asked to identify themselves politically (e.g. liberal or conservative). Interestingly, though, the results of the experiment showed that most people, regardless of how they identify themselves, are actually quite moderate in their views. Had the questions been simple yes/no answers, the results would likely have been polarized.

At the time I remember being fairly satisfied with the results, because it told me that the majority of the world is made of rational people who are capable of looking at both sides of an issue without consulting their team's handbook for the easy answer. Social issues (including, I think, religion) are enormously complex, and do not deserve easy answers.

And I know your question was posted in the religion section, but I think the point remains: when complex issues are separated from their black-and-white image (e.g. pro-life, pro-choice; theist, atheist), the dogmatic "go-team" attitude falls away and people begin to think rationally.

Also, (and I don't know why) people tend to perceive ambivalence as a character flaw, or some sort of personal and moral failing. That is why the dysphemism "wishy-washy" carries so much weight. So perhaps in order to NOT be perceived this way, many people take a hard-line on issues they don't REALLY feel strongly about.

Answer 2

>Why do so many people like extremes?

1) They often don't. As someone else wisely said, those that have extreme opinions can concisely say "I agree with this side." Those in the middle have opinions that need a lot more explaining.

2) They sometimes do. We live in a divisive society that encourages choosing sides.

>I feel that the middle ground will always be the best.

I have to say that this is JUST as ridiculous as being an extremist. Instead of chickening out and choosing the middle, look at each issue individually. For example, if one side advocates equal rights for Jews and the other side advocates concentration camps, the best is not in the middle!

~ Lib

Answer 3

This is certainly an interesting question.

I hope that I am not purely an extremest when it comes to asking or answering questions but I think I have something positive to say about thinking along extreme lines when searching for reason and truth.

Perhaps people take up the extreme positions of an issue because that tends to expose falsehoods with the least amount of effort. For example: If someone claims that "the sky is blue" it is quite easy for someone else to point out an extreme refute that this isn't so during darkness.. or during a thunderstorm... or at dawn and dusk.

Extreme positions tend to help us see things from a perspective we may have overlooked or that we may not have taken time to examine.

Does that help your understanding?

(((( r u randy? ))))
..
To The Gestapo Stomper: I realize that this is your opinion and that you have a perfect right to it... but, gee wiz... you are making some very strong things here that are very inappropriate in addition to probably being quite inaccurate and incorrect. I think I'll have to report you for this.

Answer 4

I think it's easier for people to take the extreme end of an issue, simply because it takes less time to type. Taking the middle ground people would have to type a whole lot more. Simple but true.

Answer 5

If you are literally driving up a dirt road and the dirt road forks in two directions....and you choose to forage straight ahead on the middle ground...right on through the forest, where few have travelled.....would you consider the middle ground to be an easy territory to tread upon?

Answer 6

I guess everyone and anyone likes some kind of attention no matter how little. Its a sense of confidence and to ensure you made your point or make someone stand up and notice you.

Just like a lier if he speaks confidently and loudly no one will think he is telling a lie.

Hope this answers a part of your questions

Answer 7

You may consider what the average age group is of the majority that give questions and answers that appear to be a bit extreme.

Answer 8

What is so extreme about love? Jesus teaches us about the true meaning of love! Thru him there is only truth and light, and the only way to salvation. Seek him and you shall known him.
He loves you very much and if you follow him you will never be disapointed.

Answer 9

They did not know the massage of the Great Lord as it should be , people have many religions while The Great Merciful Lord got one. and this drives us to ask our-selves what is the true meaning of religion as well as what is the true meaning of faith? only those people who knows the ans er for these questions never believe and like extremes

Answer 10

The middle ground answer is like you are saying nothing. Let me explain. If someone asked: should I do that? And you answered: well, that depends on the situation. Then it`s like you said nothing to him, and he won`t be able to benefit from your answer. You should say clear cut answers that help the asker. I hope you got what I mean.