Power and Light
This is the eternal conflict: shadows itch to settle into doubt; all kinds of demons, über-ideas, and sometimes the urge to lie beneath the granite. Chaos and pain, trouble with yourself. Fears → Freedom → Thanatos → Love... Your average Joe would look at someone like that and say: “Hysterical!” — Of course. He’s alive!!!
Chaos and Darkness
You’re so pleased with yourself: calm, cheerful, ordinary... I mean, what else do you need? Football, clubs, a beer, a car, TV and sex — the classic mid-level manager, the life of the party, forever spinning up another office romance.
“What inner conflict could you possibly have?
How do I match today’s tie to my jacket?
How do I match my kicks to my snapback?”
But there is no clap unless two palms come together.
And even if Day and Night look like enemies, they serve one and the same purpose,
In mutual love they multiply the fruits of their shared labor.
Without Night, how could a person ever store up the Wealth that Day so generously spends?
Questions about this article
01Why can inner conflict be a sign of being alive?
In the text, inner tension is tied to movement between fear and freedom, Thanatos and love. Even Day and Night appear to be enemies, yet ultimately serve the same purpose.
02How are light and darkness connected within a person?
They are shown as interdependent opposites: just as a clap needs two palms, Day and Night together create an inner wealth that cannot come from only one pole.
