Psychology says the reason some people become wiser as they age while others become more rigid has nothing to do with intelligence. It depends on whether they ever learned to sit with discomfort - Silicon Canals

"Distress tolerance refers to a person's perceived ability to withstand negative emotional or physical states - not to like them, not to pretend they're fine, but to stay present with them without immediately fleeing."

"People with low distress tolerance tend to default to avoidance. When something feels uncertain or uncomfortable - emotionally or cognitively - they move away from it, fast."

Individuals exhibit vastly different responses to life's complexities based on their ability to tolerate discomfort. Those who can sit with uncertainty and challenge their beliefs remain curious and open-minded. In contrast, individuals with low distress tolerance become rigid, defensive, and dismissive of new ideas. This psychological capacity, known as distress tolerance, is crucial for navigating emotional and cognitive challenges, impacting personal growth and adaptability throughout life.

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