A Spectrum of Unending Comparison
Forming and unforming are mutually produce each other, difficulty and ease mutually create each other, long and short mutually comprise each other, high and low mutually fill each other in, pitch and tone mutually harmonize each other, before and after mutually follow each other – such distinctions are never-ending.
有無相生, 難易相成, 長短相形, 高下相盈, 音聲相和, 前后相隨, 恆也.
In all things, labels attempt to convey a fixed sense of identity, either by association (what something is like) or by disassociation (isolating something from what it is not -- i.e. brown is not red, hot is not cold). However, the underlying reality is far more complex. There is an endless spectrum between the complementary poles of phenomena and everything occupies a unique space in the world, which though relative, should not be misconstrued as fixed value. To head down this slippery slope with children is to enter a realm where nothing is ever good enough -- some kid will always be smarter, better looking, have more money or toys, be better at sports. There will always be someone or something out there somewhere against which such a child cannot measure up. By contrast, helping children identify their unique place in the world without resorting to fixed distinctions of value is one of the things that will most leave a lasting impression on our children. Set them free from the constant comparisons with other children and social values and just let them be who they are. This is the way to lasting happiness and personal satisfaction.
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