Balancing Conquest and Governance: The Dynamics of Pursuit and Possession
The Dynamics of Conquest and Governance: Balancing Pursuit and Possession
To take land requires warfare, but to keep it demands governance. Conquest is only half the equation, much like seeking implies the hope of having, but holding what is acquired is an entirely different task. This concept reflects a deeper understanding of human pursuits and the balance between striving for goals and managing what has been achieved.
The Pursuit of Goals: Activation of the Seeking System
Pursuing a goal requires a clear conceptualization of the desired outcome. This need not be a complete form, but at least a gist or sketch is essential to activate the brain's seeking system. This system, driven by the dopaminergic wanting drive, fuels our pursuit of goals and aspirations. The seeking system thrives on the anticipation of what could be, guiding us towards our targets with energy and focus.
The Balance with the Liking System
The seeking system is balanced by the liking system, which involves the opioid and serotonin aspects of the brain. When we achieve our goals, the liking system halts the seeking drive, allowing us to revel in what we have found. This system provides contentment and satisfaction, completing the cycle initiated by the seeking drive.
Dialectical Tension: The Tightrope of Life
Life is held together by systems of dialectical tension, much like tightropes strung between polarities. Balance is crucial, akin to a tightrope walker who must navigate the fine line between extremes. Living exclusively in the seeking system is absurd, as it represents only one side of the truth. The complete truth encompasses both the pursuit and the attainment, illustrating a bipolar nature of reality.
The Absurdity of One-Sidedness
Psychological one-sidedness is inherently absurd, much like a tightrope walker fixating on walking in one direction while ignoring the balance required to stay on the rope. Absurdity is interwoven into the fabric of reality, and acknowledging its presence is essential for a balanced existence. Believing in a life devoid of absurdity is, paradoxically, an absurd notion itself.
The Cycle of Pursuit and Renewal
Upon reaching one side of the tightrope, there is always a task born from the need to pursue anew the other side. This cyclical pursuit is mirrored in the symbol of the yin and yang, where each contains a dot of its opposite. This interplay of opposites provides a reference point for orientation and balance.
The Unconscious and Conscious: A Dynamic Exchange
Psychologically, this tension corresponds to the relationship between the unconscious and the conscious mind. The unconscious, with its shadow of unknown unknowables, contrasts with the conscious side, centered around the ego. These two forces are in constant interaction, pushing and pulling against each other. This dynamic exchange gives rise to an emergent third entity—a unique combination of both the conscious and unconscious.
The Emergent Third: Unpredictable Outcomes
The emergent third cannot be fully predicted by understanding the individual components of the conscious and unconscious. Instead, it arises from the dynamic interaction between these two realms, resulting in a new and unique arrangement. This outcome highlights the complexity and unpredictability of human experience and the continuous interplay of opposing forces.
Conclusion
The balance between conquest and governance, seeking and possessing, unconscious and conscious, illustrates the intricate dynamics of human pursuits. Recognizing and embracing the dialectical tension inherent in these processes allows for a more nuanced and balanced approach to life. By navigating the tightrope of existence with awareness and acceptance of its inherent absurdity, we can achieve a more harmonious and fulfilling experience.