I used to find it hard to understand what "extreme" means, because in my view there are basically no "extreme" thoughts—only mainstream ideas and niche ideas, and each type of thought needs to be reflected upon and validated.

Later, I finally understood that the word "extreme" is a label people use for ideas that go beyond their own understanding. Just like seeing a man with long hair wearing a skirt on the street, a more neutral term would be "nonconformist."
People process information through labeling; they must categorize the object of understanding into a familiar signifier to reduce fear during the comprehension process.
An unusual thought or appearance is itself a brutal aesthetic and cognitive filter. Think like a freak, act like a child, express like a poet—then ultimately become a genius or a madman.
Interestingly: the difference between a genius and a madman is not in their way of thinking and acting, but whether the results are validated. Before the outcome is clear, the outside world cannot distinguish whether you are a genius or a madman, and you cannot be sure either.
Regardless of success or failure, maintain meta-cognition: recognize your own cognition, challenge your own cognition, validate your own cognition. Past mistakes do not mean the future will be wrong; they just require reflection. Success does not guarantee the future will be right; it just makes you more self-consistent.