There are various philosophic traditions which see dualism as two sides to a larger whole, but Taoism seems to be the one that focuses on this essential tension and balance in itself, rather than as a step to a more monist idealism.

Consider that as organic beings, we are driven by the appetites and desires bubbling up through us, our gut and heart, while the head has to sort and referee among them, so we are that tension between the anarchy of desire, versus the tyranny of judgement.

If we ever reach the point of transcending that tension, what is left?

Without the ups and downs, it’s just a flatline. That might be fine for the Stoics and the Buddhists, but for the rest of us?