I haven't studied much Eastern philosophy, but I'm fascinated by the concept of the Yin Yang. For most, this is merely decoration. You know the symbol. I think at one point I had an ear ring like that. At that time, however, I hadn't thought too deeply about what it meant.
The Yin and the Yang is a representation of a balance, a necessity for both sides to exist for either to exist. I'm not even really sure I completely understand the actual concept, but I have constructed a meaning for it in my own mind from popular representation (possibly comic books) and my own observations.
It does seem to me, however, that there is some truth in that. To apply the concept to more linear Western thought, I may have translated it to some extent to the opposite ends of a spectrum. For every idea, for every belief, for every stance on any social concept, there are extremes. At one end of the scale is the belief, for example, may be a complete pacifist, believing that all life is sacred, and unwilling to kill any living creature. At the other end could possibly be Timothy McVeigh, who believes that killing is essential to make a statement, to alert others to his very existence. This may be a bad example, but just think of any issue and the zealots who inhabit the ends of the spectrum. Maybe McVeigh is a bad example. That may be going to far, into the lunatic fringe.
But I do believe that we need extremists. They are not supposed to be paradigms, or admirable. They are supposed to represent opposite ends. I have the belief that the heart of issue lies somewhere in the middle, the truth, the necessity to maintain the social contracts which allow us live together. How can we know where the middle lies if we don't know where the ends are?
I have come to understand that in any conflict between opposing parties, the closest we can come to knowing the truth about what should be is somewhere between. Allowing either side to dominate to the point of the complete exclusion of the other side throws everything off balance. I know I'm mixing metaphors by referring to a middle, a balance, but I'm okay with that.
Perfection cannot be attained. A perfect capitalist system fails the poor, the less fortunate. A perfect socialist society fails the talented and the strong. If you believe America is a true capitalist society, you don't understand capitalism. And look at China. Since moving to a mixed capitalist/communist economic system, China has placed itself in a position to become the dominant economic world power.
That which satisfies the most people while making no one completely happy is the best system for society, and social well being of its citizens. Our two part system in America has worked, with shifts back and forth, crossing some hazy center line. I don't believe everyone should stand in the middle. I believe we should all hold our pet theories and ideas of what works best, whichever side of the line we choose to stand on. And we are obligated to stand up for our beliefs. But we must recognize that there is no perfection, and our ideas must be balanced with the ideas of others for the greater social good.
Compromise is not a dirty word.
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