Interdependence

YARM (Yet Another ReMaster)

In the past, I have made it a person goal to become completely independent, but this fails to take into account relativity and adaptation. In essence, such an ambition, if accomplished, would only prove that such a thing was possible, nothing more. Furthermore, as inferred by the speculations of previous posts, complete independence would equate to non-existence; as such, this goal is inherently impossible: in accordance with the Uncertainty principle, the extent to which a person is independent is dependent on the extent to which a person does perceptively exist (or the extent to which one’s person conception of existence is rendered irrelevant).

In more spiritual terms, it’s a necesssity to depend on standards — in particular those provided by oneself, others, and Society– in order to appreciate, and be aware of oneself and others. The sad fact is that to exist, humanity must sin, because self-corruption is the foundation of self-awareness.

In addition, it is now clear to me that every loss results in equivalent gain, and vice-versa as well. Therefore, independence has very little merit to it, and the effort put towards it, if done so ‘just to prove a point’, is nothing but a waste, having ‘missed the point’.

It’s likely that humanity was, at one time, independent. However, it was inevitable that we would become dependent on each other. Compared with other species, humanity is weak in all but one area: Communication. Thus, to ensure our survival, we have to work together. Over time these needs manifested in a system of norm– an evolutionary social framework– one that would become known as Society. By establishing this system of sociological control, mankind brought forth civilization, which ensured our survival.

Pure independence is not a beneficial lifestyle, because alone we are vulnerable and “passively suicidal” (we have no motivation to live, because when independent, there is no meaning in life, and thus no reason to survive. Although in the modern world it is possible to live independently, such a lifestyle would be far from fulfilling.

There are advantages to both independence and dependence– as well as disadvantages (of course :p ). Therefore, the logical and optimum decision would be to seek and maintain a balance between the two– namely, a Common Good. This is where interdependence comes in.

Such a challenge is one that I can be satisfied with, as Balance has been proven time and time again throughout history to be one of the most challenging feats to accomplish, and even more difficult (impossible?) to maintain. Balance requires control, and control requires one to be hardened, seasoned, refined, and committed. Human beings are not perfect, and true Balance requires perfection.

In many ways, one essential benefit of interdependence is that people can compensate for each others’ weaknesses with our different strengths. In fact, the concept of gender roles, a tradition upheld and relied upon since the dawn of time (and even before that!), was cornerstoned on the premise of two becoming one; a simplified insurance that the weaknesses and strengths of men and women would be complimented and balanced out by each other.

It’s not surprising that such a concept has endured for thousands– and to some level, millions of years– the benefits are such that alternatives would be hard-pressed to match it. Such a combination produces a bond of interdependence that cannot easily be broken; a very convincing materialization of the matrimonial ideal “two become one”.

The symbolism in respect to sexual intercourse further adds to the effect, justifying the efforts of countless individuals that actively defend such traditions today.

In light of all this, I’ve decided to fervently dedicate myself to achieving the balance of interdependence, and thereby reap the benefits thereof.