The predominance of war or appeasement undermines the creative accomplishments of diplomacy.

The predominance of corporate capitalism or communism undermines the creative accomplishments of politics — and the market.

The predominance of collectivism or individualism undermines the creative accomplishments of friendship.

The predominance of conviction or skepticism undermines the creative accomplishments of philosophy.

The predominance of lust or alienation undermines the creative accomplishments of love.

The predominance of intolerance or tolerance undermines the creative accomplishments of religion.

And so on.

*

Releasing ourselves from the painful tension of internal conflict by neutralizing one force to liberate another — it gives us energy and all the answers — but the foundation it provides is less fundamental than it is base.