Benjamin,

I think one problem is that our moral codes are based on good versus bad as overriding, rather than elemental.

Good and bad are the biological binary of beneficial and detrimental. Even bacteria have to sense this dichotomy. It is like computer code is based on 1/0.

All the higher order emotional, social and cultural aspirations, attractions, nuances, etc, like respect, honor, trust, responsibility, love, etc, arise out of this basic push pull.

So when we view good and bad as the deciding factor, conflicts quickly become a race to the bottom, of us versus them, good versus bad, black versus white. Rather than each side being able to expect the other to respect the social and cultural constructs and relationships that do rise us above bacteria.

Then being able to view such obstacles as opportunities to further evolve relationships and civilization.

The other issue you hint at is the inherent dichotomy of life, such as between the forces that pull us together, versus the ones that push us apart. Reality is a function of contrasts and friction. So when we have a cultural belief system that prioritizes a monist idealism to everything and not recognizing that such tensions are inherent to the very function of being, we cannot accept and objectively consider such nuances, for fear of being branded as on the wrong side, or whatever term is used to ostracize those not sufficiently pure and good.

Then these various issues and complexities are swept under the rug, until they can’t be denied and the whole floor gives way, for all the stuff rotting there.

Without the ups and downs, life would be a flatline, but it’s healthier to moderate them and admit them in the middle, so they don’t get pushed to the extremes and we burn the house down.

I think there are various other dichotomies, such as between desire and judgement, the head and the heart, that can be further examined.

The political dichotomy of liberalism and conservatism is between those pushing the boundaries of society and culture, versus those seeking to re-enforce them and as such, undoubtfully goes to the dawn of life, as a social feedback loop.

As it is, we have this linear, goal oriented culture in a cyclical, reciprocal, dualistic, feedback driven reality. It is somewhat analogous to seeing the earth as flat, because that is the extent of our vision.