News makes things black and white. Documentary filmmaking should do the opposite.

This quote by Robert Greene suggests a contrast between the roles of news and documentary filmmaking in shaping our understanding of the world. According to him, news tends to simplify complex issues into binary oppositions, or ‘black and white’. This means that news often presents situations as having only two sides or perspectives, which can lead to a simplified, reductionist understanding of complex issues.

On the other hand, Greene suggests that documentary filmmaking should do the opposite. Instead of simplifying, it should aim to explore the complexities and nuances of issues, presenting multiple perspectives and shades of grey. This can lead to a more nuanced, in-depth understanding of the world, which can help viewers to think critically and form their own opinions.

In today’s world, this idea is particularly relevant. With the rise of social media and digital technology, we are inundated with information and news from a variety of sources. This can lead to information overload and a tendency to simplify complex issues into easily digestible, ‘black and white’ narratives.

However, this can also lead to a polarized, divisive society, where people only see issues from their own perspective and are unwilling to consider alternative viewpoints. This is where the role of documentary filmmaking can be crucial. By presenting multiple perspectives and exploring the complexities of issues, documentaries can help to bridge divides and foster a more nuanced, empathetic understanding of the world.

In terms of personal development, this idea suggests the importance of critical thinking and open-mindedness. Instead of accepting information at face value, we should strive to explore multiple perspectives and understand the complexities of issues. This can help us to develop a more nuanced, informed worldview, which can in turn lead to more effective decision-making and problem-solving.