MUDDLING THROUGH THE LANGUAGE CLUTTER: SCOURING FOR A MIDDLE PATH

Polarization for the sake of conceptual and ideological distinctiveness often spawnschasms so cantankerous, that the ramifications of further deliberation become counterproductive. Conflicting ideas pervade every domain of rational thought. But conflict is not a hindrance. It exists as an integral and indisputable undercurrent of thinking as well as human nature. Conflict degenerates into a frantic scramble for power when the premise is squeezed dry of its fertile potential. There would be an appalling dearth of ideas, interpretations and perceptions had conflict been crucified as the instigator of discord. It is justified to concur that where there is no conflict, there is no independent thought. However, this conflict is not to wrestle over an impasse, but to acknowledge all perspectives how-much-ever divergent they might be. The productivity of conflict can be realised, when in its aftermath, the rifts between the poles, have been neutralized and the quest for the middle path can ensue. In the Chinese martial tradition, when two swordsmen joust, it is not blatantly for striking or defending. When their swords meet, depending on where they collide and with how much force they strike, they produce distinct soundwaves, which over a period appears as melody to the martial artists and comprises the spiritual as well as aesthetic underpinning. The pinnacle of the art lies in producing this very melody by simply displacing air with the sword.This analogy delineates the mental picture behind the conflict of ideas, how it transcends intoa virile force and ultimately leads one on the search for the Aristotelian ‘golden mean’.