‘The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.’ (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

This summer, I met with Charles Nesson, co-founder of the Berkman Center for Internet & Society, Harvard Law School. It was a fascinating and inspiring meet up. He introduced us to the Necker Cube ; the ability to see a situation or an object from two oppositional sides. To be able to see both sides of the coin; after all, isn’t that what lawyers are trained to do?

On a more timely note, the ability to see things from both sides is directly related to ethnocentrism. Can you overcome notions of ethnocentrism and see yourself through the eyes of the other? Recent examples indicate that the world is in a sad state when it comes to that (war on terror, clash of civilizations, European Union).

To what degree is this ability to hold multiple perspectives an equation of the classic nature/nurture debate?