The middle path makes me wary. . . . But in the middle of my life, I am coming to see the middle path as a walk with wisdom where conversations of complexity can be found, that the middle path is the path of movement. . . . In the right and left worlds, the stories are largely set. . . . We become missionaries for a position . . . practitioners of the missionary position. Variety is lost. Diversity is lost. Creativity is lost in our inability to make love with the world.
The author expresses a sense of caution towards the concept of the middle path in life but begins to recognize its value as a journey enriched by wisdom. This path allows for nuanced discussions and encourages movement and evolution in thought, contrasting with the rigid narratives often found in polarizing viewpoints. In this light, the middle path becomes a space for exploration and understanding rather than a fixed stance.
The text also critiques the tendency individuals have to adopt dogmatic positions, leading them to become advocates for a single viewpoint, often at the expense of diversity and creativity. This fixation on being right diminishes the richness of experience, preventing meaningful engagement with the world and others. The author suggests that embracing complexity fosters a more fulfilling and creative connection to life.