Right Metaphysics

Traditional and modern society are taken to exist as antithetical to one another. However, this antithesis is more an imputation than an inherently existing distinction. The essence of the issue is a simple one: we have a physical and a metaphysical reality, and these two are intended by design to have an interactive and interdependent relationship. There is a duality to existence. Mankind has a mortal and an immortal nature.  We are Being and Becoming; composed of visible and invisible components. The mistake made by many is to suppose that duality implies two theses cannot but be antagonistic toward one another. The key characteristic of the ancient Taoist emblem of tai chi tu is integration of the two polarities.

Spiritual and physical are not intended to be enemies. The unitary or singular reality is meant to be dynamic, and this dynamism is only possible because of the existence of certain polarities that are contextual to it. Civilization progresses because the forward motion of innovation and change takes place against a broad inertial matrix. The traditional society has been taken to occupy the position of inertia and the modern the progressive. However, to refine it further, it has been assumed that the inertial is always detriment and the progressive a benefit.  However, if we are to truly accept that categories can and do shift, then it is not only possible for the progressive to function as a detriment, but it often does so, particularly when embraced without a critical eye.

For instance, we assume that the redistribution of wealth would be the hallmark of a “just” society, but the proponents of this socialist trope are willing to gloss over the simple fact that their “redistribution” is rooted in theft. The wealth of x cannot be given to y unless it has first been taken from x. This may be done with legislative sanction, but this sanction does not by necessity reflect a rule of law.  An opposing trope is the concept of universal responsibility, where all are liable to work and provide for themselves, but what they produce is theirs by right. This is usually assumed to be the theme of an exploitive bourgeoisie, grinding the laboring masses into paste.  However, if every individual cell labors according to its true capabilities, the overall result will be a stronger, healthier organism. The individual works and moves against an inertial background that he believes is resisting him, but without which his movements will not even be possible.

And so we are confronted with the interchangeability and interaction of two polarities we have traditionally thought of as being intrinsically and with hostility opposed to each other. However, the reality is that polarity is dynamic, and that which is devoid of this dynamism dies.  Civilization moves, as the cosmos moves, because of the tension between opposing powers or energies.  However, it is not a given that all motion is of benefit.  After all, an atomic chain reaction is very kinetic.  A crowd the motion of which is devoid of a governing principle becomes a rioting mob. All force must have a governing principle or set of principles. Motion without limits becomes a detriment just as inertia without limits is death.