"When we don't have information, we go to the simplest outlook, to black and white. But then we have to lie to ourselves. Black is never as black as you're painting it and white is never as white"

This insightful quote by Patricia Sun discuss the human disposition towards binary thinking, particularly when confronted with unpredictability or an absence of details. At its core, the quote resolves the cognitive propensity to streamline complicated scenarios into dichotomous classifications-- particularly, black and white-- in order to make the world more understandable.

"When we do not have information, we go to the simplest outlook, to black and white". Here, Sun is highlighting a typical mental response in scenarios where information is scarce or ambiguity is high. The human brain is wired to look for patterns and streamline complexity, permitting fast decision-making; nevertheless, this can cause oversimplification. By minimizing multifaceted issues to clear-cut classifications, we disregard the nuanced reality that exists in life's many shades of gray.

"But then we have to lie to ourselves". This part of the quote exposes the fundamental distortion associated with black-and-white thinking. When we forcefully categorize something complex into a binary structure, we must disregard or reject the nuances that do not fit within these categories. This act of oversimplification can be viewed as a type of self-deception, as it requires us to deny realities that do not line up with these stark classifications.

"Black is never as black as you're painting it and white is never ever as white". In conclusion, Sun reminds us that reality rarely aligns with our binary perceptions. Scenarios, people, and choices are rarely entirely good or bad, right or incorrect. By acknowledging the happy medium, we welcome the complexity and richness of reality. Sun's message motivates us to look for deeper understanding, withstand the temptation of simplistic classification, and accept that reality often exists in a spectrum.

In a world vulnerable to polarization, particularly in social and political arenas, this quote highlights the value of welcoming intricacy and cultivating an openness to varied perspectives. By doing so, we allow more nuanced, compassionate, and effective responses to the challenges we face.