This quote speaks to the human tendency to create dualities or opposites in our perception of reality. “Ying and yang”, “yes and no”, “plus and minus” are all examples of such dualities, representing contrasting elements or principles that we use to understand and navigate the world around us.
The concept of “ying and yang” originates from ancient Chinese philosophy, symbolizing two opposing yet complementary forces or principles that make up the universe and all phenomena within it. Similarly, “yes and no”, and “plus and minus” represent positive and negative responses or states, both of which are necessary for balance and completeness.
The quote suggests that these dualities are not inherent in reality itself, but are constructs of the human mind. We create them to make sense of the complex, multifaceted nature of life. They help us categorize, evaluate, and respond to our experiences. In other words, we shape our reality through the lens of these dualities.
In today’s world, this idea can be seen in the polarized nature of many societal debates, such as politics, where issues are often divided into “left” and “right”, or “liberal” and “conservative”. This binary thinking can sometimes oversimplify complex issues and create unnecessary division. Recognizing that these dualities are human-made can help us approach such debates with more nuance and openness to different perspectives.
In terms of personal development, understanding this concept can lead to significant growth. For example, many of us tend to categorize experiences as either good or bad. However, recognizing that this is a duality we create can help us see that all experiences have value and can contribute to our growth and learning. This shift in perspective can lead to greater acceptance, resilience, and overall well-being.
