What If Left and Right Are Just Stories We Tell Ourselves?
Beyond political labels to the forces beneath
What if "left" and "right" are just confusing labels we've attached to something much simpler? What if all there really is are two fundamental forces: one conservative force that says "don't fix what isn't broken" and another progressive force that says "but it could be better if we just try"—and everything else is just stories we've layered on top?
The Cost of Vague Labels
Using foggy terms like "left" and "right" creates... fog. When we identify with vague concepts, we create the perfect breeding ground for endless arguments. No one owns "the good," and attempting to base politics on absolute justice threatens freedom itself.
Yet we still need to act in the world under uncertainty without freezing. My way of doing this is to balance intellect by connecting to multiple perspectives, then releasing everything I think and following my heart.
Nobody Owns "The Good"
But I don't decide for anyone else. No one has ownership of "the good"—not even me (would you believe it?). The attempt to base politics on absolute justice threatens the freedom of everyone involved, not just the "oppressed" side.
The First Step
I believe this understanding is the first step toward creating a different reality in our country—one of mutual respect and building mutual trust. From there, everything becomes possible.
A Path Forward
When we stop fighting over who's right and start recognizing that both conservative and progressive impulses serve essential functions, we can begin real dialogue. The conservative force protects what works; the progressive force pushes toward what could work better. Both are necessary.
This isn't about finding a mushy middle ground. It's about recognizing that the tension between stability and change is creative, not destructive—when we stop turning it into a war.