A few weeks ago, I published an essay titled “ego is our superpower.” In that blog post, I explore the idea that “the world need more egotistical people.” This is certainly a controversial opinion, and one that I wish I could reframe into the context of Yin and Yang.
The ubiquitous yin–yang symbol holds its roots in Taoism/Daoism, a Chinese religion and philosophy. The yin, the dark swirl, is associated with shadows, femininity, and the trough of a wave; the yang, the light swirl, represents brightness, passion and growth.
Bluntly put, I think the world needs more Yang. I think that modern, capitalistic, democratic society has liberally forced “Yang” people into a dark place, where they are not rewarded for their actions. Introverts are aided whereas extroverts are written off as rude.
What we seek…I think what we ultimately seek…is harmony in our lives. We seek the Yin and the Yang. We seek the reward for our ambition, but also for our decision not to compete. We seek validation for our inputs that lead us to outputs.
Harmony stands for courage and thoughtfulness.
Harmony is the ultimate superpower – the equilibrium between extreme and unconcerning.
Everyone has their own Nash Equilibrium – a place to harmonize – and that point is always evolving.
I think lots about “harmony” because I think it directly explains the struggles in my life. I, like many, fight between two extrema. I exist in several distinct bubbles and I am not particularly trying to fit in a certain one. I avoid labels. I avoid identity. Why? Because I exist in an imbalanced state of being – one that is not harmonious with the world around me.
I have a few options.
Find a different bubble.
Continue to exist in this weird flow being where I am not perfectly aligned with those around me. In this world, I build conviction around my thoughts because I have to. I have to because I need to believe in my ideas…I need courage…or else no one else will.
We need more Yang. People taking leaps of faith. People with charisma. People who care and believe in themselves. Now, perhaps more than ever, we do.
Also published on Medium.