Greatness By Touching Both Extremities At Once

One of the things I really love about The Pilgrim’s Regress by C. S. Lewis is how he put quotes from great philosophers at the beginning of each book – the book is divided into 10 books. Making the connection between those quotes and the content of each book has enhanced my reading. At the beginning of Book Six Lewis quotes Blaise Pascal: “I do not admire the excess of some one virtue unless I am shewn at the same time the excess of the opposite virtue. A man does not prove his greatness by standing at an extremity, but by touching both extremities at once and filling all that lies between them.” It was the second sentence, in bold, of the quote that triggered my deep thought.

Pascal’s quote suggests that true greatness lies in the ability to understand and embrace a wide range of perspectives and experiences, rather than simply aligning oneself with one extreme viewpoint. By “touching both extremities,” he implies that a person can acknowledge conflicting ideas, emotions, or beliefs while also finding common ground and understanding what lies in between.

This approach fosters empathy, wisdom, and a more comprehensive understanding of the human experience. It encourages us to appreciate complexity rather than oversimplifying situations. Leaders who consider opposing ideas or extremes can make more informed and balanced decisions. This involves weighing the pros and cons of various options and acknowledging the complexities involved.

Embracing contrasting ideas can stimulate creativity and innovation. Leaders who promote a culture of open dialogue are more likely to inspire their teams to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. Using Pascal’s concept of “touching both extremities” can greatly enhance leadership development by encouraging us to embrace diverse perspectives and experiences.

Byron's Babbles