The appreciation of the comfortable middle, whether in a personal or global context, is often facilitated by the existence of extremes. As such, individuals may require exposure to opposite ends of a spectrum in order to fully understand and appreciate the desirable balance that lies between them. For instance, the traumatic events of 9/11 served as a necessary extreme for Americans to comprehend the reality of terrorism. Similarly, the storming of the Capitol on January 6th, highlighted the importance of protecting democracy, which was previously taken for granted. Furthermore, the war in Ukraine brought about a sense of unity and a greater appreciation for democracy. The COVID-19 pandemic has also served as an extreme example that has taught us to value the importance of life. Lastly, earthquakes, such as those that have occurred in Turkey with about 40,000 dead or in California, help us to appreciate the stability of the ground we stand on.