January 13, 2012
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When Extremes Trump Means
"Be well-rounded!" Remember hearing that from your parents or teachers growing up? We're supposed to be balanced, all things in moderation. Don't be too extreme. Look at our Presidential election in America. Both candidates inevitably end up as slightly different shades of the middle ground.
But is that really what life is about? Are we in the end all objective, all Buddhists, all drained of any strong passions and firm beliefs? Is the purpose of life to inch to the very middle of the see-saw and stand there so that we don't hit the ground? Are most life decisions really about balance?
There's a saying that the ends justify the means--that basically, it doesn't matter what you do, it matters where you end up. I don't agree with it. Humans have memories, a sad fact that ruins 57.4% of our escapades. But I do kind of wonder if the extremes trump the means, if picking all of one item and none of the other means a happier life than trying to forever keep two diametrically opposed messages in the same bottle.
Yes, time for another series, on unbalancing your life for the sake of extremes. Gather around, readers, while the snow falls and New Year's resolutions collapse. Let's see what we can learn, ok?
Comments (8)
No resolution collapse!!!
"There's a saying that the ends justify the means--that basically, it doesn't matter what you do, it matters where you end up."
That's a pretty simple way of looking at the statement...
I don't think it mean's it doesn't matter what you do, it just means the outcome is more important. Which isn't necessarily true, I think it gives some people the impression that they don't have to be accountable as long as they die happy. Which is a pretty selfish way to live...
Like your post
"Humans have memories, a sad fact that ruins 57.4% of our escapades."
Since exactly 57.4% of my escapades fail, this must mean I'm human.
I've never had a balanced life lol. I'm either focused on something extreme, or I'm just focused on being unproductive.
I'm game to listen and learn. In recent years I've been on the inclusive- in moderation track. Taking the best of both and forging a balanced new for myself if you will.
Sometimes extremes are necessary for some means. I mean, If you look at advocacy the average joe dosn't pay attention till it affects him- or till someone does something extreme. But of course, this is all contextual. People tend to say go after something you feel passionately about. Yet- if someone passionalty goes to extremes to complete some insane goal, we tend not to judge them on the passion they put into thier goal, but rather the goal itself. So basically, kind of seems like the world is saying be passionate, but dont do anything too crazy! Just a question of where one draws the line maybe!?!
I don't think I've ever thought about this....
"Go hard or go home..." – If the ambition is holy and worthwhile, then we ought to be going all out ~ II Cor. 12:15.
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