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In this episode, I dive deep into the nature of dualities from a Taoist perspective and speak to the synthesis and harmonization of opposites \u2014 better expressed as dualities. I quote Wing-Tsit Chan\u2019s translation of the second verse of the Tao Te Ching (from \u201cThe Way of Lao Tzu\u201d).\xa0

\u201cBeing and non-being produce each other;
Difficult and easy compliment each other;
Long and short contrast each other;
High and low distinguish each other;
Sound and voice harmonize each other;
Front and behind accompany each other."

Chan\u2019s comments about the second verse are my starting point:

\u201c\u2026everything has its opposite and [\u2026] these opposites are the mutual causations of each other\u2026 Opposites are [\u2026] presented not as irreconcilable conflicts but as compliments.\u201d

Next, I consider the relationship between our ideas and nature.\xa0

To navigate in this world, we created distinctions, labels, and categories to describe what we see and perceive. And to get along with others in ever larger groups of people \u2014 from family units to nation-states \u2014 we developed mythologies to support doctrines for how things are, or how they ought to be.

When we deconstruct our perception of reality, we realize that everything we label is a duality.\xa0

How we determine what is morally right or wrong, normal or abnormal, is again an idea, a doctrine that simply leans more to one side of the duality than the other. And we have seen through history how this \u201cmoral leaning\u201d can relatively quickly shift from one side to the other.

The solution, I believe, is to see clearly through the illusions of socially constructed moralities that deem some humans less than others, or even morally wrong.\xa0

We need to accept the natural diversity of who we are as sapiens \u2014 without dogma or doctrine \u2014 in relation to the natural, ecological diversity that generates human beings.

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Darren is a coach, writer, and host of the Think Queerly Podcast. He helps deep thinkers & creatives cultivate their purpose & uniqueness to enjoy more peace of mind, acceptance, and freedom. Subscribe to my Human-Heartedness Newsletter to be notified of my new articles & episodes every Saturday. I'll also send you some of my best work, ebooks, and more.

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