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%EXCLUDED MIDDLE DICHOTOMY EXTREMISTS+790726
%NOT GOOD CONVENTIONAL EVIL BAD DANGEROUS+790726
%POWER CONFIDENCE PERSPECTIVE 790726
Often we exclude consideration of the possibility of
a middle ground, or of a transcendent way. That which is
conventional is defined to be good. All that is not
conventional is presumed to be not good, or evil. No
thought is given to the possibility that there may be a
middle or a transcendent possibility; not conventional and
not evil. Simple-minded dichotomies do not encompass all
possibilities. Life is not an either-or proposition.
Operating in terms of either-or propositions is usually
deadly, rather than lively. Creativity and helpfulness
usually occurs in a middle ground or in a transcendent
reality which is not even between two extreme
possibilities. Creativity may occur in a plane of
perception, being, and doing---which does not include the
mid-point between the poles of a given dichotomy. People
who move only along the straight lines between the poles
of a dichotomy can not perceive, be, or do that which
becomes possible when living in multi-dimensional spaces
which include planes which do not include mid-point
between the poles of the dichotomy.
Extremists can not perceive that which lies off of
the line between them and their opposition. That which
lies on the line between them and their opposition appears
juxtaposed with that which is at the extreme other end of
that line. Those who remain on the line at one pole have
no basis for depth of vision, they can not distinguish
between those who are at the extreme other end of the
line, and those who are in the middle. They live in a
world of only two points, not even in a one dimensional
world. Their lives are simple and full of certainties.
They have great confidence in their positions, and often
their great confidence is a source of great power. Those
who equivocate are often weak. Yet, those whose
confidence is based upon a narrow perspective are likely
to use their power without wisdom. The wise do not have a
monopoly on power. Extremists often have power, and lack
the perspective to use it wisely.
To defeat extremists one must avoid going to the
opposite extreme---for to do so is to join the ranks of
extremists. To defeat extremism one must see transcendent
ways of balance, ways which are not on a line between
dichotomous poles.
(c) 2005 by Paul A. Smith in
www.essayz.com Search for Integrity and Honesty
(On Being Yourself, Whole and Healthy)
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