"I don’t mind a bit of healthy skepticism"

It’s something I’ve heard in almost every organisation I’ve worked in—
“I don’t mind a bit of healthy skepticism.”

I’ve said it myself.

But recently, after using the phrase in my last email, I started to wonder:
​Is there any other kind?

Skepticism, when it’s real, is thoughtful. Curious. Open to being persuaded. It’s not belief, and it’s not resistance. It’s a pause for understanding.

So what are we really saying when we add “healthy” in front of it?

Usually, we’re trying to separate it from something that isn’t skepticism at all, negativity, cynicism, or dismissal dressed up as inquiry.

But that’s not skepticism.
That’s just being negative.

Calling it “healthy skepticism” is like saying “cold fridge.”
If it’s warm, it’s not a fridge anymore.
If it’s not open, it’s not skepticism.

Until next time,
Dermot
​The Messy Middle

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