The so-called comfort zone, the proverbial space where humans find respite from the pressures the world exerts upon them, is a favourite topic of the new age and self-help communities.
People describe this zone as a state in which people see and hear only what they want to hear and see. Furthermore, they identify it with a lack of intellectual and moral opposition. It is delineated by the inherent human fear of diligent disagreement.
And I get it…
I understand that being around like-minded people is comfortable, I enjoy parties with friends, too.
However, the lack of challenging and stimulating opportunities (opposition) makes you complacent in the idea that we know more than you do.
What a lame proposition.
The comfort zone is not the right place for intellectual growth, it’s where all humility and honesty go to weaken and die.
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If I had a dime for every time I heard someone say that they didn’t want evidence against their beliefs, I’d have a dollar. And that is a dime too many.
The question that should worry you is about those people’s desire for truth and their reluctance to learn. And you should worry about this question because it relates to the acceptance of misinformation.
And the comfort zone also hinders progress. A stress-free setting limits incentive for greater efforts. A risk-free space precludes the necessity for high-performance attitudes.
Yes, the comfort zone, or whatever you want to call it, can be a nice place to rest. But too long a stay there is a death sentence for your intellectual and moral faculties.
— The Devil Unbound
