True or False

I always have done poorly on written standardized tests. True or False type or Multiple Choice type questions force into only a single choice. Unless, of course there is the "E. All of the above." That was always my answer. I can always see how a statement might be true. It has some ring of truth to it. Or, it might be partly right. Or, there are times, places and conditions when the statement could be true. Sure it may not be probable, or even likely, but it may be a possibility.

True or False

• Dogs have three legs. (I'd say True. I saw a dog with only three legs once.  All dogs have three legs.  At least.)
• I can run a marathon. (Well, I haven't done it yet, but that doesn't mean I can't?)
• 1 + 1 = 10 (Think binary.)
• Red is grey and yellow is white (Again, True. Just listen to the Moody Blues song, "Days of Future Passed.")
• It is always best to tell the truth. (Hmm, I'm still thinking....)

Phrases like, "On the other hand..." or, "There are two sides of a coin..." force us into a way of thinking that there are only two possible options. Right and Wrong. Black and White. Left or Right. One or the other. Heads or Tails. Why doesn't anyone ever call "edge." Ok, granted, it's not a good bet, but it could happen. You should consider that option. So, what do they do? They just flip again. But even if you don't pick edge, there is still a possibility that it could happen. That means that heads or tails is no longer a 50-50 probability. (One website says that there is roughly a 1 in 6000 chance of a nickle landing on it's edge.) Sometimes when you hear hoof-beats, it's a Zebra, not a horse. Even phrases like, "At the other end of the spectrum..." imply that there are two ends to the spectrum and forget about all the shades in between Red and Violet. I'd like to coin a new phrase, "On the next wavelength..." or even, "On the other finger...." It leaves you more options.