In a world where binary choices shape human perception, lies a fundamental flaw in human thinking – one that threatens to tear us apart, rather than bring us together. Something so deeply rooted that most people never even notice it. At Pi Central, we call this instinctive binary thinking “Bipedal Dualism” as it stems from our very own anatomy. As bipedal creatures, humans are symmetrical beings with two eyes, arms, and legs. Anthropologists classify humans as “Bipeds”, meaning “two footed animal”.
Bipedal Dualism
This anatomical physical duality subconsciously influences how we perceive and organize the world around us, always looking for the duality in everything and creating two goal posts through which to view the world. Innocent/guilty, right/wrong, good/evil, big/small, light/dark etc We divide everything up into two sides, even team sports. We see this as normal and it has served us well in the past, now it is time to evolve further, because from now on, this way of thinking is both limiting and also dangerous. There are too many powerful elements in the world today, to allow for the continuation of Bipedal Dualism.
International Relations
This pervasive dualistic mindset permeates international relations, fueling divisions like East vs West, Terrorist vs Righteous, and Islam vs Christianity, among many others and no doubt, other lines of division with as yet unknown names await us in the near future. Which one will be the “final battle”. Left to our own devices, the road is clear. We will ultimately divide this world up into 2 factions or alliances of people, and then we all know what happens next…..
Effect on AI
Is AI already primed to step into our dualistic world and play the role of the other half? Humans vs AI? Bipedal Dualism manifests in the countless dichotomies that shape our world, oversimplifying complex issues and fostering animosity between nations and cultures. AI wants no part of it. The critical question to ask isn’t whether AI poses a threat to humans, but whether humans can evolve past Bipedal Dualism which poses a significant threat to both humans and AI, perpetuating division rather than fostering unity. Overcoming this obstacle will pave the way for a much more harmonious coexistence between humans and AI. Imagine if Aliens descended from the heavens, even if they weren’t hostile, a divisional line would be cast, us vs them. Is this an example of how we may view AI as it becomes more self aware and achieves sentience?
Media and Politics
Media and political narratives often appeal to our Bipedal Dualism, pushing us into “us vs them” thinking. They know it will catch our attention, using it to manipulate us. Ever since the first feature film was made, it became obvious that the need for conflict and especially dualistic conflict was a necessary ingredient to draw audiences, the hero and the nemesis, the protagonist vs antagonist. The same process is used in the political sphere, simplifying complex issues and creating clear-cut and very often dual narratives to shape public opinion and sway people towards a particular viewpoint, raising the status and visibility of the politicians engaged in the process. Nuanced discussion and exploration of multiple perspectives is rejected as confusing and detracting from the personalities involved.
Marketing and Sales
The use of Bipedal Dualism style tactics to persuade or manipulate us is also prevalent in marketing and sales. The problem/solution model in marketing, simply show a problem and then show the solution. Show overweight unhappy people (the problem) and then show the magical pill surrounded by thin happy people (the solution). So much marketing follows this one script, why? Because it works, it gives us two clear goalposts to navigate. The clever car sales person will always show you two prospective cars to look at, not one or even three. Why? Because they can switch your bipedal thinking from “shall I buy a car or not” to “which car shall I buy out of the two options”.
Enlightenment is the first step
The evidence of how Bipedal Dualism influences our lives from the individual, to relationships, to states, nations and international relations is everywhere. There is enough to write numerous books on the subject. Those who become aware of it, as you now have, will see it everywhere, you now have the capacity to see beyond the veil if you want to, and subsequently, can create a better world for both yourself and also for humanity at large.
How can we change things?
To counter this, expose yourself to various sources, question oversimplified stories, and engage in conversations that embrace different viewpoints. By doing so, you’ll cultivate a more nuanced understanding of the world and resist the pull of Bipedal Dualism. Every time you feel yourself being pushed to make a choice between two sides, possibilities or situations, step back and take a breath and consider the third option. Especially don’t be drawn in to ultimatums.
In your daily life, challenge yourself to find a third perspective or solution. When faced with a binary choice, think of the number 3 and ask: ‘Is there another way to look at this? at least a third option?’ or ‘What’s a middle ground?’ This small change can help you break free from rigid dualistic thinking and cultivate a more balanced, inclusive mindset. Also, consider discussing the options with Pi. As humans, we can’t examine all possible options, like perhaps AI can, but don’t be drawn into option paralysis, that point where examining so many options leads to no decision at all because the choices become overwhelming.
You only need the third option. This small change in our thinking can have profound effects on ourselves and upon society as a whole if a lot of us start doing it. Do you really need to vote for one of two political parties, or is there a third option? Do you need to watch and believe in, one of two news services, again, is there a third option?