on Dichotomy

Thinking in terms of black and white is far from the simplest solution. The most provocative reastion is to think of everything purely in terms of black, and with each color the situation complicates itself to an enormous degree. Black, in the conflict of self vs. the world, is the color of "not self." It is an enormous challenge to include one's own views into the general philosophy.

To judge others is a simple task. Listen to gut instincts: if what is said rings true, the saying is correct. If there is any other emotion, the thoughts ring false. That simple. But to compare the words on the wind with the thoughts in your head, you will find that you are just as flawed as the words.

The greatest humility is making the assertion that you are always right. Flaws are a shield. When criticizing others, an often defense is to accuse the speaker of hypocracy. But the perfect response is to say "well, I'm not perfect." Which is not to say that the argument is dissolved by hypocracy. Who greater to know the damages of drugs than an addict? Who greater to know the pains of addiction than an alcoholic? Who greater to understand the backlash of extremism than an extremist? But to criticize others in the same vein as your own tainted blood is to find the vaccine, and to ignore your own weakness is a crime against yourself.

Complications can destroy any form of progress unless they are handled one by one. Take the blackness of a particular situation and find its attachment to the white. Start from there, and wind your way through.