"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela
The Power of Quantum Thought
Are you ready to think in transformative ways about the most important questions and challenges in your life? Introducing the framework of "complementary opposites," a powerful tool for decision-making and personal growth. By embracing uncertainty and considering all possibilities, you can make more thoughtful and well-rounded choices and avoid the pitfalls of dogmatic thinking.
You will discover:
-
How to apply the framework of "complementary opposites" to decision-making
-
The inspiration behind the framework and its connection to quantum thought
-
Ways to cultivate honest humility and hold all options in "superposition" without grasping after certainty
Ultimately, this framework encourages us to think critically and to make informed decisions without clinging to one perspective as the absolute truth. By considering all possibilities and remaining humble, we can make more balanced and well-rounded choices.
One important remark before we start: it is very important to remain KIND TO YOURSELF (and others). Avoid the ego-trap as nobody knows for sure and we all have different preferences based on the shoes we have walked.
1. Complementary opposites
tl;dr: the complementary opposite framework teaches you to look left and right in the exact same moment and see both ends and all in between. In this chapter, we will explore the concept of "complementary opposites," also known as "quantum thought." This concept allows us to consider all possibilities simultaneously, including the extreme opposites and all possibilities in between. Just like the colors on a spectrum, we can select our own path and course of action within this framework.
Let me provide you with a framework to begin thinking in transformative ways about the most important questions and challenges raised in your life. The framework of ‘complementary opposites’.
We could describe this as "quantum thought": being able to contemplate 0 and 1 simultaneously, as well as the spectrum of probability between. Life is 1 and 0, black and white, left and right, and all possibilities between these opposites. And here comes the magic: it is not only these extreme opposites but also all in between. Like black and white, plus all the colors in between. And all these possibilities present themselves at exactly the same time: now. In other words: you can select your color, your course of action in this framework. This framework is inspired by our friends at Kernel, a must for techno-philosophical enthusiasts interested in the new internet that is being built (called ‘web3’).
The "complementary opposites" framework is a way of thinking that allows individuals to consider all possibilities simultaneously, including both extremes and the spectrum of probabilities in between. This way of thinking, known as "quantum thought," allows individuals to make more balanced decisions by being able to hold all options in "superposition" without grasping after certainty.
Step 1: oversee the different possible outcomes in a spectrum (see all colors)
One way to apply this framework to decision-making is to consider the possible consequences of different courses of action and avoid the temptation to fixate on a single option. For example, imagine you are faced with the decision of whether to invest in a new business venture. Using the "complementary opposites" framework, you would consider not only the potential benefits of investing, but also the potential drawbacks and risks. This would allow you to evaluate the various options more objectively and make a decision that takes into account all of the possible outcomes.
Additionally, the "complementary opposites" framework can be used to consider opposing perspectives and evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of each. For instance, imagine you are trying to decide whether to switch to a vegan diet. Using the framework, you could consider the arguments for and against a vegan diet, weighing the potential health benefits against the potential challenges of giving up certain foods. This approach allows you to consider the issue from multiple angles and make a decision that is more informed and well-rounded.
= See both sides and all in between
The "complementary opposites" framework is heavily inspired by the concept of Yin and Yang, which represents the duality and interconnectedness of opposing forces in the universe. Just as light cannot exist without darkness, and vice versa, the framework recognizes that every decision or action has both positive and negative consequences. By considering these opposites and all of the possibilities in between, individuals can make more balanced decisions and avoid the pitfalls of certainty and fixated thinking.
Overall, the "complementary opposites" framework is a powerful tool for decision-making and personal growth. By embracing uncertainty and considering all possibilities, individuals can make more thoughtful and well-rounded choices and avoid the pitfalls of dogmatic thinking.
If you can cultivate honest humility, you may just learn how to hold all three in superposition without any grasping after certainty, and thereby make more balanced decisions. In simpler terms: see both complementary extremes and all the options in between.
These opposites are not right or wrong, as right and wrong are human concepts. Nor does the spectrum offer any certainty, it is just you taking a course of action based on what you feel and think is right. Be humble, and accept that other routes are possible and other people explore other routes. You complement each other. These opposites complement each other. Together you make one whole. But know that as soon as you act, you create consequences in the world. Very much like throwing a rock in the water, you too cannot possibly oversee all of the wrinkles in time (consequences). So be humble (and have compassion for other routes).
Like Yin and Yang, there are many more extremely interesting opposing perspectives. We will discuss the most important ones here to shape your framework. The message: there is no right or wrong, no certainty. Oversee the particular spectrum, and decide what you feel is your best course of action at that particular moment in time.
⚡️
Q: What is the "complementary opposites" framework? A: A way of thinking that allows individuals to consider all possibilities simultaneously, including both extremes and the spectrum of probabilities in between.
Step 2 Avoiding the Pitfall of Certainty
Fair warning: where we often tend to go wrong is picking a spot in the spectrum, claiming and defending this spot as The Truth (and sometimes tying Ego to this claim). It is an example of closing your mind to the other flavors and possibilities. It limits you and could even disconnect you from others. Bitcoin is good, but banks are wrong. Corona is real, corona is a hoax. Trump is good, Trump is bad.
The opposite approach is teaching yourself to oversee all possibilities by opening your mind, staying honest with yourself, and remaining humble. Try not to grasp for certainty. You just need to listen and plot the opposites on a horizontal chart. We cannot be sure what the effect of our actions will be, we can only cultivate an acute observational awareness that will guide us toward making the right trade-offs.
Overseeing the spectrum is only step 1 because in step 2 a decision awaits you. Act or don’t, all is based on your choice. But once you act your act is final (the rock is thrown in the pond, and you cannot contain the wrinkles). Once again, no rights or wrongs; but know that the universe will balance you and your spot with a complementary opposite. If you want to change the world, the world will inevitably act back and change you (remember? something about Yin and Yang, one balanced whole?).
“Many of the truths that we cling to depend on our point of view.” - Yoda
⚡️ Q: What is the pitfall of certainty? A: The tendency to fixate on a single perspective and claim it as "The Truth," limiting one's understanding of other possibilities and potentially disconnecting from others.
Step 3 Making Decisions Using the "Complementary Opposites" Framework
In short: if you chose to go left, understand there is a right side as well. There are benefits and downsides of going left, just as there are with going right. But how to act, how to eventually choose left, right, or something in between? In other words: what’s best?
The critical idea here is that thinking consciously about trade-offs, and developing the ability to hold many different probabilities in mind simultaneously without allowing personal bias to obscure your view of all possible futures, allows you to pick The Middle Way more often than not. The universe seems to work in a play of patterns, often visible to us in cycles.
There is no best, there is your preference based on your core values (how you are designed) and your desires and needs for that specific moment in time. A general guideline: those who have positively changed the world did so because they learned how to negotiate this complexity of being in now and gunning to make the future brighter for others. In simpler words: your heart guides you while simultaneously your ego supports you. Be like water and adjust to the situation while following your core values. Sometimes you play the monkey, sometimes the hunter. Sometimes you work hard, and sometimes you rest.
To know when to use which course of action, is very very simple (no, it is not, it is painful and hard, and you will enjoy it, trust me): you just have to practice and learn. Somehow, when we learn a skill like a language or riding a car, we prepare for many hours of training and do not get frustrated or insecure if we can’t speak fluent Chinese from the go. But if we are talking about training internal connections, we do expect instant results. I might have some bad news: these are hard miles, and every human will have to take them on their own. No shortcuts. Instead: a lot of pain, falling, and failure, but also a lot of learning, and growth. Hard miles, and you will learn to appreciate the painful miles just as much as the pleasant ones. You will understand the spectrum.
Welcome to your path, nobody said it was easy.
⚡️ Q: How can the "complementary opposites" framework be used to make decisions? A: By considering the trade-offs and holding multiple probabilities in mind simultaneously, and by following one's core values and desires for the present moment.
Step 4 What you should remember
Start quantum thinking (oversee spectra) instead of binary (yes/no). This is called thinking in complementary opposites: a spectrum of yes and no and everything in between. Strengthened by a universal truth: all is connected in a play of patterns in which you can act. This will help you realize there are no simple, one-size-fits-all answers to the questions we're interested in learning about. Introducing us to the questions that matter, like your why, your Honest Question:
💡 What is the question to which you are the universe's answer? (a.k.a. who am I)
and its equally direct corollary:
💡 How can you respond NOW most honestly, accurately, and lovingly (a.k.a. what do I do)?
This is incredibly difficult; some might say this is our lifetime of exploration. A trick when you get lost in possible futures playing in your mind, or don’t see any futures: get back to the now. Do not answer these questions for a far future, answer them for now, today, this week, this month, and expand.
Conclusion
The "complementary opposites" framework offers a new way of thinking that allows individuals to consider all possibilities simultaneously, including both extremes and the spectrum of probabilities in between. By embracing uncertainty and considering all options, you can make more balanced decisions and avoid the pitfalls of dogmatic thinking. As you move on to the next chapter, "Balancing the Present and Future," remember the importance of holding all options in "superposition" without grasping after certainty. This will allow you to make informed choices that take into account the present and future consequences of your actions.
Quiz
-
What is one way to apply the "complementary opposites" framework to decision-making?
A: Consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option
B: Fixate on a single option
C: Ignore potential risks
D: Only consider one perspective
Answer: A: Consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option
-
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a way to avoid the pitfall of certainty?
A: Opening your mind and staying honest with yourself
B: Grasping for certainty
C: Plotting opposing perspectives on a horizontal chart
D: Ignoring the potential consequences of your actions
Answer: B: Grasping for certainty
-
What is a key aspect of making decisions using the "complementary opposites" framework?
A: Fixating on a single option
B: Ignoring personal bias
C: Seeking certainty
D: Only considering one perspective
Answer: B: Ignoring personal bias
How to apply this in my life today?
-
Take some time to reflect on your current goals and aspirations. Are they driven by intrinsic or extrinsic motivation? Make a list of at least 5 goals and label them as intrinsic or extrinsic.
-
For each goal, think about the specific emotions and feelings that drive you to want to achieve it. For example, if your goal is to become a better public speaker, you may be motivated by the feeling of confidence and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it.
-
Next, think about the external rewards or pressures that may be influencing your goals. For example, if your goal is to get a promotion at work, the external reward may be a higher salary or the pressure to meet your boss's expectations.
-
Take one of your goals and rewrite it to make it more intrinsically motivated. For example, instead of "I want to get a promotion at work", rephrase it as "I want to become an expert in my field and make a meaningful contribution to my team".
-
Finally, take action towards achieving your goal. Make a plan and set specific, measurable and achievable targets.
-
Reflect on your progress after one week and take note of how you feel about your goal, if it has changed.
-
Repeat the process for a month and reflect on how you feel about your goal, if it has changed and how your motivation has changed.
-
Share your findings with a friend or in a discussion forum to get feedback and insights from others.
This homework assignment is designed to help you identify the motivations behind your goals and to find ways to make them more intrinsically motivated. By taking action and reflecting on your progress, you will be able to see the impact of your motivation on your actions and how it affects your overall sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
Food for thought
-
How do you determine if your motivation is intrinsic or extrinsic?
-
In what ways do you think intrinsic motivation is more effective than extrinsic motivation?
-
How can you balance the need for external rewards with the desire for internal fulfillment?